At a time when student mental health and engagement are front and center in education, the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is demonstrating what’s possible when creativity meets purpose. By embedding the arts into student wellness and academic success, SCOE is not just enriching classrooms—it’s creating safer, more inclusive spaces where young people can thrive.
Last winter, SCOE was honored with a prestigious Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association (CSBA), recognizing SCOE’s Arts and Mentoring team for their innovative and impactful approach to arts integration and student support. The statewide recognition affirms that when students are given the tools to express themselves, they gain more than skills. They gain confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.
With a vision of systemic growth, SCOE is steadily expanding arts instruction in its Juvenile Court School and Community School programs, stemming from two award-winning initiatives: Sacramento Healthy HeART and Mind, and Any Given Child. Together, these programs exemplify how the arts can be a powerful tool for both academic success and social-emotional growth. To encourage greater teacher and student participation in the arts throughout the county, SCOE also hosted a countywide art gallery this past year featuring top student art from local school districts. These efforts were aligned with student voice and equity. Also new this year, SCOE’s School of Education now offers three paths to teaching the arts: a career technical education (CTE) arts credential, an add-on arts credential, and credentialing options for music, art, dance, and theater. Combined, these pathways and professional development opportunities are helping strengthen arts education across SCOE and the region.
The Golden Bell Awards recognize excellence in education and effective governance across California. SCOE’s award highlights its leadership and commitment to educational equity and student well-being through the arts. That commitment has only deepened with the implementation of Proposition 28 (the Arts and Music in Schools Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act), which ushers in a new chapter of access, equity, and sustainability for arts education across the county.
Proposition 28 unlocks substantial, sustained arts funding—but only if districts expand programming, maintain transparency, and build educator and administrative capacity. At SCOE, these priorities are already in motion. SCOE has activated Prop. 28 with an Arts Coordinator, a dynamic team of Artists in Residence, weekly residencies led by community icons like Milton Bowens and Ms. Tee, student publications through 916 Ink, and mural projects across four campuses. CARE Intervention Program classrooms now feature intensive 6- and 10-hour arts residencies, ensuring creative access for students with the greatest needs.
According to SCOE Assistant Superintendent Jackie White, "Through Proposition 28, we are not just adding art to our schools—we’re building belonging. Artists like Milton Bowens and Ms. Tee bring healing, identity, and expression into our classrooms. Whether it’s a mural, a poem, or a dance, our students are discovering that their stories matter—and that they are the artists of their own future."
Beyond direct programming, SCOE is helping build a sustainable, inclusive arts ecosystem by convening regional Communities of Practice and collaborating with key partners, including Create CA, Friends of the Arts, the California Arts Project, Region 3 County Superintendents, and the City of Sacramento Arts Commission. Together, these efforts support aligned goals, shared learning, and a community-wide commitment to ensuring every student is connected to the arts through culturally relevant instruction, social-emotional learning, and real pathways into creative careers.
“As Executive Director of SCOE’s School of Education, I believe it’s essential that we prepare educators who can guide students in culturally relevant, creative exploration,” said Dr. Steven Winlock. “Through regional collaboration and arts integration across SEL, academics, and career pathways, we’re building an arts ecosystem where every young person can thrive—as both artist and audience.”
These efforts have enhanced student performance and emotional well-being across Sacramento County in addition to creating a replicable model across the state. The award underscores the power of strong community partnerships and innovative thinking in public education.
SCOE is proud to be recognized as a leader in arts education, and remains committed to empowering students through creative expression and meaningful connection.