NAPA, Calif. — The Butte County Office of Education (BCOE) has been named the 2026 Medium County Office of the Year by California County Superintendents. The organization announced the award, recognizing BCOE and Butte County Superintendent of Schools Mary Sakuma, at its annual awards reception Tuesday.

The honor is part of the organization’s Leadership Awards, which recognize work aligned with its priorities and are designed to be competitive in the national awards program of the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA). As COE of the Year, BCOE was selected from 25 eligible county offices in the medium-size category, which includes Class III, IV and V offices.

The award considers a broad range of work, and its criteria draw on previous award categories for professional publications, technological innovation and executive leadership, while also considering whole-child approaches, support for students with disabilities, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, campaigns, arts education and other exceptional work with statewide significance.

California County Superintendents’ annual award recipients are selected by a committee of county superintendents and county office staff following nominations from county offices of education throughout the state.

The recognition marks the second consecutive year BCOE has been honored at the annual awards. In 2025, the County Operated Student Programs (COSP) Committee awarded a STAR Award to Michelle Zevely, BCOE Deputy Superintendent, Student Programs and Educational Support.

About the Butte County Office of Education 

The Butte County Office of Education serves students, schools, and families across the region by providing high-quality educational programs, professional development, fiscal and administrative support, and countywide leadership. BCOE is committed to fostering opportunities that ensure every student can thrive academically, socially, and professionally. 

About California County Superintendents

The California County Superintendents provides the organizational mechanism for the 58 County Superintendents of Schools to design and implement statewide programs to identify and promote quality cost-effective educational practices and services, and provide support to school districts in the areas of student services, curriculum and instructional services, fiscal accountability and business services, personnel services, and technology and telecommunications.