Sanchez brings years of experience in alternate education to
county office of education
For more than two decades Mike Sanchez was the face behind
alternative education in San Benito County.
Sanchez brings years of experience in alternate education to county office of education
For more than two decades Mike Sanchez was the face behind alternative education in San Benito County.
He was more than a principal to some of the students who traveled the alternative education path; he was a mentor, a friend, and even a parent at times. Now he is taking his skills to the next platform – he has taken a position as assistant superintendent for the San Benito County Office of Education.
Despite the suit and tie he always wears, he has a relaxed, optimistic attitude. His dark chocolate eyes betray years of knowledge and his wispy moustache accents a frequent smile. Once you’re a friend, you’re a friend for life.
“I’ll miss some of the hands-on stuff,” Sanchez said. “But I’m in a better position to help develop better programs for these kids. When I think about the possibilities that exist within this job, it’s exciting.”
Sanchez has always taken great pleasure in serving the families of his students and that dedication to service is not going to change, Sanchez said.
“It is the job of the district to provide a level of service to families,” Sanchez said. “We are a family-friendly organization and I’m excited about all the connections.”
Some of the new programs Sanchez is involved in include off-campus facilities for the California State Exit Exams, additional full-time evening programming and the opportunity for student achievement. Another part of his vision includes additional services for teen parents. He would especially like to work with teen dads, to start helping them to see their responsibilities fully.
“We have some ambitious plans, but that’s what we do,” Sanchez said. “We’re expanding our educational opportunities. One of the things I’m most excited about is the addition of night classes at San Andreas.”
Sanchez’ passion for service dates back to his youth. He came from a service-oriented family that didn’t have a lot of material wealth, but appreciated everything they had. Sanchez has four brothers and five sisters. He was always taught that he should aspire to be a contributing member of society.
One of Sanchez’ goals growing up was to be like the guys who put on the programs that served him.
“I knew all along that this community’s roots go deep. That spirit of contribution is awesome,” Sanchez said.
It was during his senior year in high school that Sanchez first thought about a career in education.
“The first time I even heard the word credential was from Gordon Tibbs, the Ag instructor at San Benito High School,” Sanchez said. “I was his [Teachers’ Assistant] my senior year and he was the one that suggested I should get a teaching credential. I loved watching him work with the kids and watching the football coaches with the kids.”
It wasn’t until he saw an advertisement in the newspaper that he became familiar with career opportunity school. Career Opportunity School was a predecessor to the alternative education schools that operated during the 1970s and 80s.
One requirement of the job was going out and meeting the staff and students at the school.
“When I saw what they were trying to do for the students that need extra help,” Sanchez said, “I was on board with the idea. Since then I’ve never lost the passion.”
Each year Sanchez looks forward to opening day. Graduation is his Superbowl. He gets a sense of passion when kids finally realize it is possible to succeed.
One of Sanchez’ former students who has gone on to better things is Beatrice Gonzales-Ramirez.
Today Gonzales-Ramirez is a trustee with the Hollister School District; quite a stretch from the person who dropped out of 10th grade at San Benito High School.
Gonzales-Ramirez met Sanchez at San Andreas Continuation High School. He embraced her and had a tremendous impact on her development.
“I remember him as a caring, understanding and supportive person,” Gonzales-Ramirez said. “[Sanchez] helped me re-identify my goals and set my direction. He was instrumental in my life.”
When Gonzales-Ramirez became a re-entry student at the age of 29 she was a single mother, but she knew she wanted more for herself, because of what Sanchez instilled in her.
“I carried his lessons forward with me,” Gonzales-Ramirez said. “He’s always been there.”
When she was to be sworn onto the board of the Hollister School District board of trustees and found out she could have anyone she wanted swear her in, she knew it had to be Sanchez.
“He was my only choice,” Gonzales-Ramirez said. “I love him professionally and I know he’ll do a good job in his new position.”
Gonzales-Ramirez story is not unique, she said.
Lorna Gilbert has known Sanchez for more than 30 years, but spent the past five years working closely with him as assistant principal and director of special education services for alternative schools. She is currently the Director of Special Services for San Benito County.
“He has a fantastic attitude,” Gilbert said. “He’s always been a student-centered, family-centered educator. He’s an incredible person to work with. He’s sensitive and collaborative. He was an important mentor to me during the five years we worked closely together. I highly respect his vision. He will always work to find a solution that is beneficial to everyone.”
County Superintendent of Schools Tim Foley knew that Sanchez was the perfect candidate for the assistant superintendents position based on his performance throughout his career.
“I don’t know anyone in the state that [is] more knowledgeable on alternative education,” Foley said. “He knows where the district is going. His direction has established more of a connection with the community.”
