This year’s Back-to-School Kickoff celebration offered a morning convocation filled with inspiration and connection. The event also offered a full day of training and professional development for administrators, teachers and paraeducators who support more than 400 remarkable students in special education and Solano County Office of Education’s court and community schools. Photo courtesy of the Solano County Office of Education

SOLANO COUNTY, CA (MPG) – More than 400 staff members from across Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) gathered Aug. 11 at the Sunrise Event Center in Vacaville to celebrate the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.

This year’s Back-to-School Kickoff celebration offered a morning convocation filled with inspiration and connection. The event also offered a full day of training and professional development for administrators, teachers and paraeducators who support more than 400 remarkable students in special education and Solano County Office of Education’s court and community schools.

A highlight of the morning was the keynote address by retiring Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson, whose theme, “Unlocking Endless Possibilities,” resonated with the audience. Estrella-Henderson emphasized that every employee plays a vital part in supporting students, removing barriers and empowering them to achieve their full potential.

“We each play a crucial role in unlocking endless possibilities for our students,” Estrella-Henderson told the audience. “Together, we build meaningful relationships, remove barriers and lay the foundation for student success.”

She concluded the morning by saying, “It has been an incredible honor to be a part of education in Solano County for over 40 years and to serve as county superintendent of schools since 2017. Today, we celebrate the many accomplishments we’ve achieved for Solano County students and I look forward to cheering you on as you continue to create even more positive opportunities for students in the years to come.”

In addition to the keynote, attendees were treated to a video featuring staff across Solano County Office of Education, who shared their perspectives on their keys to success in their respective roles and what it means to unlock endless possibilities for students. The video offered a glimpse into the diverse roles within the county office and the shared commitment to student success.

A surprise farewell tribute video honored Estrella-Henderson’s years of service to the students and staff at Solano County Office of Education. The tribute highlighted Estrella-Henderson’s dedication to education, her leadership in advancing Solano County Office of Education’s mission and the lasting impact she has made on the community.

Solano County Office of Education’s Back-to-School Kickoff celebration was a successful day of strengthening skills and deepening commitment to educational excellence. The event was a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility and collective effort to support all students across Solano County.

Solano County Office of Education provides leadership, support and fiscal oversight for charter schools and Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield-Suisun, Travis, Vacaville, and Vallejo school districts which serve approximately 60,000 students.

Solano County Superintendent of Schools Estrella-Henderson was elected by Solano County voters. The superintendent is a state constitutional officer who serves as the chief executive officer of Solano County Office of Education and as a liaison between local school districts and the state.