Dr. Faris Sabbah
The County Superintendent of Schools and the County Office of Education play a critical role in supporting the creation of safe and supportive learning environments for all students. This is achieved by working with school district superintendents to set the overarching academic goals for the county’s public education system and support specific efforts to help students achieve those aims.
Over the past 25 years, Dr. Faris Sabbah has served as county deputy superintendent, county assistant superintendent, university professor, director, assistant principal, teacher, and instructional aide. He obtained his bachelor’s in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz, his masters in Educational Leadership from San Jose State University, and his doctorate in Leadership for Educational Equity from UC Berkeley.
He carries a deep sense of urgency to disrupt inequitable practices. He is committed to partnering with districts and other organizations to create a network of support that propel our students to achieve and thrive.
Dr. Sabbah is committed to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion as he helps lead the evolution of the County Office of Education in addressing the needs of students, districts, and the community. His top priorities are to support students and districts by expanding the COE presence throughout the county, engage the community through an ambitious communication plan, develop a data-driven culture of improvement, create safe spaces for all students, and build programs and opportunities that uplift the voices of students.
Statutory Functions of County Superintendents & County Boards of Education
Mental Health
Appreciation for Teachers
Energy and Possibility
Santa Cruz COE Annual reports
Download PDF copies of the Annual Reports to the Community. Printed copies are available in the lobby or by contacting the Superintendent’s Office at (831) 466-5900.