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Leadership
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Nicole H. Glentzer
County Superintendent of Schools
Nicole H. Glentzer, Mendocino County’s Superintendent of Schools, took the oath of office and started her four-year term January, 2023. The Superintendent of Schools is a constitutional officer of the State of California who acts as a liaison between local school districts and the state. The superintendent also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Mendocino County Office of Education.
Nicole Glentzer has 27 years of experience in education. She most recently spent eight years as Assistant Superintendent at Ukiah Unified School District. Before that, Ms. Glentzer was the Superintendent and Principal of Potter Valley Community Unified School District. She grew up in the Central Valley and attended Sonoma State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Spanish. In addition, she earned a multiple subject credential and master’s degree in Education Administration and Supervision from Fresno State University.
“It is an honor to serve our children and our entire community as the next Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools,” says Glentzer of her new role in Mendocino County school administration. “As a parent and educator, I know firsthand the challenges our schools are facing. I am committed to leading our schools and our County Office of Education to overcome them. I look forward to working side by side with educators, staff, administrators, parents, and the public to ensure that the students in Mendocino County receive the very best education we can provide them.”
Dr. Nicole Odell
Assistant Superintendent - Educational Services
MCOE welcomed Dr. Odell to our team in July of 2024. Bio coming soon!
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Heather Rantala
Assistant Superintendent - Business and Administrative Services
Heather Rantala grew up in Mendocino County, attending Potter Valley and Ukiah schools.
She began her career in education at Ukiah Unified School District as a Paraprofessional working with students in Special Education before taking a position as an Attendance Clerk. Heather's tenure at Ukiah Unified School District marked a trajectory of advancement within the organization. She ascended through the ranks, assuming pivotal roles such as Campus Support Secretary and Confidential Administrative Assistant in Fiscal Services.
While working full-time and raising her son, she successfully completed her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 2016. 2017 Heather obtained her Chief Business Official Certification from the California Association of School Business Officials.
In 2018, Heather became the chief business official for Middletown Unified School District. Building on her success, she transitioned to the Sonoma County Office of Education in 2021, where she undertook the District Fiscal Management Advisor role.
The Mendocino County Board of Education derives its powers from the Constitution of California (Article 9, Section 7) and from California Education Code. The Mendocino County Board of Education consists of five trustees based on the Mendocino County Supervisorial Districts. Board members are elected to four-year terms and must reside in their respective trustee areas. A president and a vice-president are elected by the Board at its annual organizational meeting in December. A quorum of three members is required to conduct official business. Learn more about the Statutory Functions of County Superintendents of Schools & County Boards of Education here.
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Marilyn Puget
Vice President
AREA 1
Calpella | Hopland | Potter Valley | Redwood Valley | Talmage/Ukiah (East)
TERM ENDS: 2026
PHONE: (707) 467-5015
EMAIL: mpuget@mcoe.us
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Charline Ford
Member
AREA 3
Covelo | Laytonville | Willits
TERM ENDS: 2024
PHONE: (707) 459-5193
EMAIL: cford@mcoe.us
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Drew Duncan
Board President
AREA 4
Caspar | Cleone | Fort Bragg | Leggett | Piercy | Westport
TERM ENDS: 2024
PHONE: (707) 972-1927
EMAIL: dduncan@mcoe.us
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Donald Cruser
Member
AREA 5
Boonville | Comptche | Navarro | Philo | Mendocino to Gualala
TERM ENDS: 2026
PHONE: (707) 937-4704
EMAIL: dcruser@mcoe.us
Governance
The Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools adopts policies that provide direction for administering the county office of education and programs within the County Superintendent’s jurisdiction. The County Superintendent of Schools is the sole employer of staff which implements various programs.
The Mendocino County Board of Education adopts policies that govern programs that lie within its jurisdiction. The County Board of Education is the appellate body for school districts and parents on interdistrict transfers, charter and expulsion appeals. The County Board of Education reviews charter school petitions that are made directly to the county and serves as the authorizing body for approved petitions.
Educational & Financial Accountability
The Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools monitors the school districts in the county. The County Superintendent reviews and approves each school district’s budget and their local control accountability plan. The County Superintendent also monitors low-performing schools in the county and provides various resources to the districts to improve student outcomes.
The Mendocino County Board of Education approves the County Office of Education’s budget. The County Board of Education oversees the local control accountability plan for the students that the county office serves.
Student Programs
The Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools operates student programs to serve students from birth through adulthood. Examples include special education and early childhood programs and court and community schools.
The Mendocino County Board of Education is the Governing Board for students enrolled in court and community schools. The County Board adopts the curriculum necessary to achieve the objectives of these programs.
Educational Leadership & Community Engagement
The County Superintendent of Schools and the County Board of Education provide leadership to the greater community and advocate for students and high-quality education. Together they elevate public education by actively advocating for policies, regulations, and laws that enhance opportunities for students, parents, and communities.
The County Superintendent of Schools and the County Board of Education encourages participation and partnerships with all stakeholders to achieve academic excellence.