David P. Meaney, Ed.D., who served as Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools from 1989 to 2004, passed away on Tuesday, November 5.
Dr. Meaney was selected as County Superintendent in 1989 upon the retirement of Dr. Nick Floratos. During his 15-year tenure, Dr. Meaney helped grow the influence of the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), making it a recognized national leader in teacher training, technology, adult education, special education, literacy, vocational career training, empowering children with significant physical disabilities, and a wide variety of other respected education programs.
The former County Superintendent was passionate about technology and was integral in developing statewide technology initiatives like the Digital California Project, a statewide high-speed Internet2 network for school districts. Among the many accolades he received, Dr. Meaney was recognized with the Superintendent’s Technology Award by the American Association of School Administrators and the Ferd. Kiesel Award by the Association of California School Administrators.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Meaney served on more than 30 community boards and was known for his commitment to providing quality programs. He enthusiastically recognized teachers and staff, developing SCOE partnerships with organizations like the Sacramento Kings in an NBA-first teacher recognition program to honor the Sacramento County Teachers of the Year. He also worked with the Sacramento County Board of Education to launch the Operation Recognition program in 2002, which ultimately awarded more than 200 high school diplomas to Sacramento County residents whose education was interrupted during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War due to military service and/or internment.
Dr. Meaney led the effort to secure a portion of the former Mather Air Force Base (now Mather Field) for education use and directed the construction of SCOE’s state-of-the-art administration and conference building. He worked tirelessly on the project, looking for cost-efficient and creative ways to make the building even nicer. He directly involved staff in planning to ensure workspaces and meeting rooms would be functional and efficient, wanting the building to be an inviting workplace where thousands of local educators would come for training. SCOE’s “new building” was formally named the David P. Meaney Education Center in 2003.
Staff saw Dr. Meaney as a kind person who was genuinely interested in their education work and their wellbeing, who was always approachable, and who offered helpful guidance and support. In a welcome message he left at everyone’s desk the morning the new building opened, he wrote, “I have never been more proud of being associated with an organization as I am with SCOE. We are a world-class organization and you are world-class people.”
Dr. Meaney was the 19th Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools since the position was created by state statute in 1852. He retired in 2004, leaving a legacy of dedication, compassion, and vision in education. He will be remembered as a man who not only shaped educational policy and practice but inspired countless educators, staff, and students.
The former County Superintendent is survived by his wife (Marianne), his children (Shannon and Michael), and his grandchildren (Luca, Mason, and Miles).
A celebration of life is planned for November 23, 2024. Details and RSVP information are available online.
Donations in Dr. Meaney’s honor can be made to one of his favorite charities: