Frequently Asked Questions

What does the County Superintendent do?
The County Superintendent makes sure schools in San Mateo County follow state laws, use their funds responsibly, and have the training and support they need to serve students well. The Superintendent also oversees county-run programs for students, including Outdoor Education, Court and Community Schools, the Anne Campbell Child Development Center, and the K-22 Special Education program.

Who votes for the County Superintendent?
Any registered voter in San Mateo County is eligible to vote for the San Mateo County Superintendent of schools.

When is the election?
The election for County Superintendent will be held June 2, 2026. Mail-in ballots will begin arriving in early May.

Does the County Superintendent supervise all the districts?
No. Each school district has its own superintendent and elected school board that make local decisions. The County Superintendent works alongside local school districts to provide support, ensure compliance with state requirements, and promote strong educational practices across the county.

What qualifications are needed to be County Superintendent?
The job requires a valid preliminary or clear California Administrative Services Credential. To earn a valid administrative credential, a person must have at least five years of full-time experience as a credentialed teacher or counselor and currently serve as an administrator.

The California Legislature added Education Code §1208 (AB 872, 2023) and updated Elections Code §13.5 (AB 910, 2023) to specifically reinforce the legal qualifications for County Superintendent of Schools.

“…no person shall hereafter be elected or appointed to office as county superintendent of schools of any county who does not possess a valid credential issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing…” –EDC §1206(b)

“All county superintendents of schools in counties within classes (1) to (8), inclusive, shall possess a valid administrative credential issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.” –EDC §1208

A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is not a valid administrative credential. Whether a person possesses a valid administrative credential is publicly available information on the Commission on Teacher Credentialing website.

Because the role carries major responsibilities, it’s important that the County Superintendent also have proven experience leading schools and education programs. Héctor has served as a professional educator for more than 25 years in many roles, including as a paraprofessional, teacher, counselor, administrator, and county leader. As a senior administrator, he has led large teams, managed significant budgets, and built strong partnerships across schools and communities. This is the kind of experience needed to lead from day one.