Sacramento County Board of Education appoints new superintendent

The Sacramento County Board of Education on Tuesday announced the appointment of Jacqueline (Jackie) White as the next superintendent of schools. White, who currently serves as assistant superintendent of court and community schools, career technical education (CTE) and adult education for the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), was selected by the board in a 6-0 vote (one absent) following a comprehensive application process and nationwide search. SCOE is one of only five county offices of education in California where the superintendent of schools is appointed by the board, not elected. The appointment follows the announcement by Superintendent David Gordon that he will retire in 2027 after serving more than 22 years. White will assume the role of superintendent on Sept. 1, allowing for a planned transition period with Gordon before his departure. After Sept. 1, Superintendent Gordon will serve as a special advisor to the board and Superintendent White until June 2027 to ensure continuity in fulfilling the complex responsibilities being triggered by the Sacramento City Unified School District's fiscal distress and potential insolvency. Gordon will also assist with a smooth handoff to Superintendent White and support select strategic initiatives where his connections with local, regional and statewide leaders and partners are essential. "The board overwhelmingly agreed that Jacqueline White is the right leader for this moment and for the future of Sacramento County's students," said Mariana Corona Sabeniano, president of the Sacramento County Board of Education. "While at SCOE, Jackie has led important work, and she has done it with excellence, compassion and vision. The board is proud to elevate a leader who knows this organization, knows our communities and is deeply committed to every student we serve." White is an educational leader with extensive experience spanning K-12, adult and career technical education, student services, arts education and college and career readiness. As assistant superintendent for adult and student programs at SCOE, she oversees programs that support students, families, schools and districts across Sacramento County, including CTE, adult education, court and community schools, computer science and specialized student services. A 20-year educator who began her career as a fifth/sixth-grade teacher in the Twin Rivers Unified School District, White has dedicated her career to educating children and adult students in Sacramento County. She has served as a teacher, principal, district administrator and county leader. This broad experience has given White a deep understanding of teaching and learning, school operations, workforce development, student support systems and organizational leadership. She is known for bringing people together around shared goals and building partnerships that improve opportunities for students. "It is the honor of my career to be selected as the next Sacramento County superintendent of schools," said White. "I am deeply grateful to the Board of Education for their trust and confidence, and to Superintendent Gordon for his mentorship and the remarkable organization he has built over 22 years. I have dedicated my professional life to serving the students of Sacramento County, particularly those who face incredible obstacles. I am eager to bring that same commitment, energy and heart to this role every single day. The students and communities of Sacramento County deserve nothing less, and I am ready to get to work." White earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Economics from Saint Mary's College in 2001. She also has a Clear Administrative Services Credential from Sacramento County Office of Education Leadership Institute and a Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with English Language Authorization from California State University, Sacramento. White is married and the proud mother of five children. Gordon has led SCOE since 2004, dedicating more than 22 years to serving the students, educators and communities of Sacramento County. He currently serves as a governor's appointee to the State Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC). Gordon has also been an active volunteer in the Sacramento area and currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Sierra Health Foundation, commissioner on the Sacramento First 5 and vice chair of the AVID Board of Directors. "Superintendent Gordon has given 22 years of his life to the students, educators and families of Sacramento County, and the impact of that commitment simply cannot be overstated," Corona Sabeniano said. "The board is deeply grateful for his leadership, his integrity and his enduring dedication to this community." The Sacramento County Office of Education directly educates more than 30,000 children and adults each year, including thousands of district teachers who attend training sessions and workshops. It provides support services to more than 255,000 students in 13 school districts, four of which are some of the state's largest. Considered a leader of the Capital Service Region – a 10-county area consisting of Alpine, Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties – SCOE is one of 58 county offices of education in California.