Nancy Magee is the San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools with 38 years of educational leadership to her credit. A graduate and college athlete from San Diego State University, Nancy began her career as a high school English teacher and varsity boys’ water polo coach. In her early career Nancy was known for her innovative approach with students, receiving teacher of the year and innovator in education honors while year after year producing championship teams with many of her athletes going on to successful college careers.

 

After 20 years as a classroom teacher and school-wide leader, Nancy earned a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science and became a high school librarian. She eventually went on to earn an Administrative Services credential and as an administrator has worked at the site, district and county levels. No matter the role, Nancy remains singly focused on student success.

 

Since arriving at the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) in 2010, Nancy has worked in roles that provided direct educational services to students in the juvenile justice system or those receiving special education services. Additionally, under her leadership, SMCOE has become a regional leader in safe and supportive schools and developed countywide emergency response and suicide prevention protocols, coordinated mental health supports for schools and provided curriculum and trainings in restorative and trauma-informed practices.

 

Since stepping into the County Superintendent role in 2018, Nancy has accelerated efforts to address systemic barriers in education, including inequities in funding, access, curriculum and instruction and basic services. For her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, she received the 2021 Pillar of the County award by the San Mateo County School Boards Association.

 

Nancy is a resident of Half Moon Bay and occasionally enjoys swimming in the ocean with the Half Moon Bay Cold Water Crew. She is gay and raised two boys who are both now well launched into adult life. She is a fan of live music, water sports and the great outdoors, which she enjoys with her family and friends.