The next step

Education veteran Sanchez leads county schools
Mike Sanchez could not be happier or more optimistic after
completing his first days as the county superintendent of
schools.
Sanchez replaces Tim Foley, who retired at midterm.
”
I am absolutely excited about this,
”
Sanchez said.
”
We have a wonderful team, and though we are all being challenged
by the state of the economy I truly believe we can address concerns
and maintain focus on service.
”
Education veteran Sanchez leads county schools

Mike Sanchez could not be happier or more optimistic after completing his first days as the county superintendent of schools.

Sanchez replaces Tim Foley, who retired at midterm.

“I am absolutely excited about this,” Sanchez said. “We have a wonderful team, and though we are all being challenged by the state of the economy I truly believe we can address concerns and maintain focus on service.”

Sanchez came to Hollister as a boy in 1964 after a move from San Antonio, Texas, with his family.

One of those siblings is Mary Lou Sanchez Andrade, county treasurer, who said it has always been a large and civic minded family.

“We are nine (siblings) altogether, all two years apart, the youngest was just 3 years old when we moved here and we all live here in Hollister except for my brother Richard who went down south, said Andrade, who added that her father passed away in the mid-1980s, and her remarried mother continues to be an active part of Hollister.

All nine siblings are doing quite well according to Andrade, with herself, her brother Mike Sanchez, and sister Margie Barrios all holding public offices. Barrios was recently sworn in as the newest member of the San Benito County Board of Supervisors. The other six siblings are also involved in the community, said Andrade.

“My parents really taught us to serve the community. John is involved with high school football team boosters,” said Andrade as she ran down the list of her brothers and sisters, “Ray does a lot of community barbecues to raise funds for nonprofits and individuals that need help. Dolores is involved with the little cheerleading groups for the community. Sylvia served on High School Board for a term. Ron is involved in Veterans of Foreign War and is chaplain for the local branch, and Richard lives down south and is involved in the arts, performing and entertaining for the community.”

Her brother Mike is right in the middle of the pack, according to Andrade, “four above and four below,” in a group that was taught early on by their parents to be involved in the community around them.

Sanchez began attending R.O. Hardin Elementary when he came to Hollister, and found the environment immediately supportive. “The person that was my mentor was Erma Pivetti, one of the principals. Her encouragement and belief that we could succeed inspired me, and when I was appointed principal for the first time, she showed up at the board meeting in support of me as one of her old students,” Sanchez said.

Seven years later Sanchez graduated from San Benito High School, which remains important to him, “The Baler factor is huge to me, because once you are a Baler, always a Baler. I received a lot of support and encouragement there from a teacher named Gordon Tibbs who gave individual attention and guidance and to anyone fortunate enough to be one of his charges.”

Sanchez went from being a Baler to Gavilan College, then the University of San Francisco and finally San Jose State University, where he earned his teaching and administrative credentials.

Once he finished his education Sanchez started what has now become 34 years of uninterrupted service with the San Benito County Office of Education.

“Mike has a long history with county Office of Education operations and programs,” said Susan Villa, deputy superintendent for San Benito County.  “He has worked with all of the local agencies to facilitate services, is service oriented and has spent his entire career reaching out and working in the community to make it a better place for children.”

Sanchez started his career providing small group instruction in conjunction with the juvenile probation department and the county. The program was named Career Opportunities and served troubled youth. At this same time he also ran a Saturday school program for students who were employed fulltime or were teen parents. He continued the Saturday program for the next 11 years, but his Monday to Friday job soon brought him to San Andreas High School where he was made head teacher, becoming the teacher/principal from 1980-1984 and the principal from 1984-2002.

“Mike was the heart and soul of San Andreas which has become an institution in our community,” said recently retired superintendent Tim Foley. “He provided support for so many families. There are generations that see Mike as the face of education, and their connection with the educational community.”

Angel H. Rivera, the current principal for San Benito County Alternative Education programs, agreed that Sanchez left alternative education in good shape when he moved on.

“Mr. Sanchez is my mentor and has already demonstrated his leadership strengths in his current position,” Rivera said. “His successes of developing strong wealth of knowledge in all areas of education are well documented…and his strongest assets are his genuine concern for our students and community.” 

Jackie Muñoz, superintendent of the Aromas/San Juan School District, has also seen Sanchez’ impact in the area.

“The alternative education program is Mike Sanchez,” she said. “He set up a tremendous curriculum and educational program that we as a district are very confident in sending our students to.”

Next in line for Sanchez was his appointment in 2002 as the director/principal of alternative education for the entire county.

“That took me to the juvenile court school, the continuation high school, the community school, and the opportunity school, where I was not just in charge of day to day affairs, but also the liaison with all the districts and youth service agencies in all levels of government.”

Finally, Sanchez was appointed as the assistant superintendent in 2007 where he remained until being appointed superintendent.

Asked what she thought Sanchez would contribute in his new role, Villa said, “He will bring his positive energy and belief in people to this position and will focus our energies on fulfilling our mission of providing leadership, services, and support to our districts, through our specialized programs, partnerships, and advocacy efforts.”

Regarding the tough financial times the district is up against, Sanchez said, “We are all being challenged because of the state of the economy, but I truly believe we can address it and maintain the focus on providing the best service possible with the resources we have.”

Hollister School District Chief Business Official Jack Bachofer, believes Sanchez can guide the county through these difficult times.

“Obviously he is well experienced and I don’t think you can ask for anyone with more contacts and connections to make sure the right things happen for our students,” he said. “He has an awesome background for the position of superintendent – both in terms of financial sense and his history with San Benito County.”

As Sanchez looks to the future he is optimistic.

“As the county office of education we will maintain being a family friendly, and accessible to the community while building programs as the community needs them.

“I am absolutely excited about this,” said the new superintendent. “We have a wonderful team, and I am thrilled about completing my first week of service to the district.”