San Mateo County Board of Education Appoints New Superintendent

Deputy Superintendent Marco Chávez to serve remainder of Nancy Magee's term

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The San Mateo County Board of Education has appointed Deputy Superintendent Marco Chávez as the new San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools, filling the vacancy created by the recent retirement of Nancy Magee. Chávez will serve the remainder of Magee's term, which is scheduled to conclude in January 2027.

Why it matters

The County Superintendent serves as a critical liaison between the California Department of Education and the 23 local school districts in San Mateo County, supporting them, collaborating on goals, and overseeing the San Mateo County Office of Education. This appointment ensures continuity of leadership during a transitional period.

The details

Although the position of County Superintendent is typically an elected one, the County Board of Education is authorized to appoint an individual to fill a vacancy. The Board selected Chávez at its meeting on Wednesday. Chávez has previously held various roles within the San Mateo County Office of Education from 2013 to 2018, and returned as Deputy Superintendent in 2021. Prior to that, he served as a principal in the Campbell Union Elementary School District and a trustee for the Ravenswood City School District.

  • Magee's retirement became effective on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • Chávez was appointed by the San Mateo County Board of Education at its meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Marco Chávez

Deputy Superintendent who has been appointed as the new San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools.

Nancy Magee

The previous San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools, who recently retired.

Hugo Torres

President of the San Mateo County Board of Education.

San Mateo County Board of Education

The governing body that appointed Chávez as the new County Superintendent.

San Mateo County Office of Education

The organization the County Superintendent oversees, which reviews district budgets, ensures compliance with laws, and manages county schools.

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What they’re saying

“Marco is an experienced and thoughtful leader who knows the County Office and the issues facing our local school districts. Working with Marco has been productive, and he has been instrumental in keeping the work moving forward. He is capable of managing the County Office through a year of transition.”

— Hugo Torres, President, San Mateo County Board of Education (patch.com)

“I am honored to serve in this role to ensure we continue to prioritize the students and families of San Mateo County. I thank the board for this opportunity, and I recognize Superintendent Magee for her many years of leadership and service to our community.”

— Marco Chávez (patch.com)

What’s next

The San Mateo County Board of Education will work closely with Chávez to ensure a smooth transition and continued support for the 23 local school districts in the county.

The takeaway

This appointment maintains experienced leadership at the San Mateo County Office of Education during a time of transition, allowing the office to continue its critical role of supporting local school districts and advocating for public education in the region.