#mercedcountyofficeofeducation

With a career spanning 35 years in local schools and leadership positions, Richard Lopez is poised to take the reins of the Merced County Office of Education as the next Superintendent of Schools. "I'm running because I believe in public education," he says. "I am a product of public education. Growing up I attended six or seven…

In this intense, competitive world of local politics, meeting Ana Boyenga is like a breath of fresh air. There's a warm, friendly, even bubbly…

Paula Heupel has led an impressive, linear career in education that has taken her through the ranks of local academia — from classroom teacher and…

Merced County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Tietjen announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026, and will retire at the end of his current term, which ends in December of 2026. Tietjen, who has served as county superintendent at the Merced County Office of Education (MCOE) since December of 2016, is the 29th Merced County…