Your guide to the election for SLO County superintendent of schools
Only one candidate is still officially in the race for San Luis Obispo County superintendent of schools.
That means Joe Koski, the current assistant superintendent of educational support services for the county office, will take over as the next countywide education leader.
SLO County Office of Education executive Michael Specchierla was also in the running for the seat, but he dropped out in March to “continue focusing my work on expanding career technical education and workforce pathways for students across our region,” he said in a news release.
Longtime superintendent James Brescia has held the role since 2014, but in November, he announced his plan to retire at the end of his term.
The superintendent serves as an advocate and a spokesperson for students, teachers, administrators and parents across SLO County. The superintendent also provides fiscal oversight, observes local district plans and monitors support services at facilities like juvenile hall, state preschools and special education.
As a representative of the Governor’s Office, the county superintendent of schools only gets involved in day-to-day management if the state or a local governing board grants them the ability to govern.
Who is Koski? And why is he the only person running for this office?
Here’s what to know about the upcoming SLO County superintendent of schools election.
Where is the district?
The county superintendent oversees all school districts in San Luis Obispo County.
This includes 10 public school districts, as well as charter schools and Cuesta College.
Who is the candidate?
Koski currently leads educational support services for the county, which supervises school supports for homelessness and foster youth, migrant education, social-emotional and behavioral support and more.
According to his campaign website, he’s spent 38 years working in education roles ranging from substitute teacher to school superintendent for the Templeton Unified School District.
“My passion, commitment, values and experience uniquely position me to serve as the top TK–12 educational leader for San Luis Obispo County with integrity and purpose,” Koski said on his website.
Koski said he aims to continue in Brescia’s footsteps, working to empower parents and caregivers as well as improve academics, behavior and social wellbeing. He also intends to prepare students for the workforce and cultivate safe learning environments for all students.
Koski is focused on improvement as well, planning to advance more teacher training and help guide schools through fast-paced changes like artificial intelligence and new workforce needs.
Who is funding the race?
Koski’s campaign is primarily self-funded through a $15,000 donation he made to his campaign.
He’s also received some small-dollar donations from several current and former employees at the county office of education.
Previous Tribune coverage on county superintendent of schools race
- Office of Education executive to run for SLO County superintendent of schools
- Another SLO County education leader launches campaign for superintendent
- SLO County superintendent of education candidate drops out of race
