The NCOE Continuous Improvement and Academic Services Department (CIAS) envisions meaningful, relevant, accessible learning in all classrooms so strives to cultivate partnerships, promote quality resources, and build best practices, ensuring all students thrive and achieve. We empower educators, families and community partners by building capacity in curriculum, instruction, assessment, data analysis, and accountability. The CIAS department provides the following professional learning opportunities and programs through our strategic support, services, and technical assistance.
In California, implementation of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) began during the 2013–14 school year. The goal of the LCFF is to significantly simplify how state funding is provided to local educational agencies (LEAs). Under the new system LEAs will receive funding based on the demographic profile of the students they serve and gain greater flexibility to use these funds to improve outcomes of students.
The state Department of Finance estimates that achieving full funding levels under the LCFF will take eight years.
The Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) is an important component of the LCFF. Under the LCFF all LEAs are required to prepare an LCAP, which describes how they intend to meet annual goals for all pupils, with specific activities to address state and local priorities.
Eight State Priorities
- Conditions of Learning: Priority 1 – Basic Services. Priority 2 – Implementation of CCSS. Priority 7 – Course Access.
- Pupil Outcomes: Priority 4 – Pupil Achievement. Priority 8 – Other Pupil Outcomes.
- Engagement: Priority 3 – Parental Involvement. Priority 5 – Pupil Engagement. Priority 6 – School Climate.
Napa County LCAPS (Local Control Area Plans)
Assistant Superintendent Continuous Improvement and Academic SupportLucy leads NCOE’s Continuous Improvement and Academic Support (CIAS) Department. She has over 32 years of experience in education in a variety of roles including teacher, reading specialist, instructional coach, principal, and superintendent. As the director of CIAS, Lucy supports Napa County districts with their continuous improvement efforts including LCAP development and progress monitoring. She also has oversight on two of California’s multi-million dollar literacy grants: the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant and the Literacy Coaches/Reading Specialist Educator Training (LCRSET) grant. In addition to supporting the work of CIAS, she also facilitates NCOE’s Strategic Priority #4: Continuous Improvement/Data Management and Recruitment and Hiring Sub-committees.
Lucy Edwards, Ed.D.
ledwards@napacoe.org
Senior Program Manager for Mental Health & Professional DevelopmentJill has been in education for 20 years, serving as an elementary teacher and district coach prior to her current role.
Jill Barnes
jbarnes@napacoe.org
Administrative Assistant IILambert supports the wonderful Continuous Improvement department by providing technical and logistical assistance for the department’s managers and coordinators, mainly supporting the Teacher Induction Program. He has a background in both the optical and non-profit industries providing vision screenings to children, developing ophthalmic products, and working in LGBTQ training and technical assistance. He is a great point of contact to connect you with anyone from the team.
Lambert Chambers-Hernandez
lchambers@napacoe.org
Teacher Induction Program ManagerRon is an accomplished educator with over 15 years of experience. With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the importance of education, Ron was recognized as the “2019 Napa County Teacher of the Year.” Ron currently manages the New Teacher Induction Program and the Clear Administrative Services Credentialing program. Ron works to create educational initiatives and experiences that meet the diverse needs of our learning communities.
Ron Eick
reick@napacoe.org
Director of Academic SupportDr. Kopecky is currently serving as the Director of Literacy Grants for the Napa County Office of Education. Cara’s prior experience in education has included site and district leadership as well as classroom teaching.
Cara Lester, Ed.D.
clester@napacoe.org
Program CoordinatorGiselle is the Program Coordinator for the Lead to Literacy grant at the Napa County Office of Education. Giselle has been in education 18 years, bringing technical assistance to general and special education stakeholders in support of student literacy.
Giselle Blong
gblong@napacoe.org
ELA/ELD Program ManagerChrissy has been in education for more than 20 years, working as a Middle School teacher before becoming a District Instructional Coach. When not working, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Chrissy Cotten
ccotten@napacoe.org
ELA/ELD Program ManagerKayla has been in education for 16 years and has experience working with every age group; infants to adult learners! She brings an expansive understanding of human development, teaching theories and strategies, and assessment practices to her role at NCOE. In her personal time, Kayla enjoys graphic art and painting, playing board games, and doing/creating escape rooms!
Kayla Mikkola
kmikkola@napacoe.org
Internal Evaluation ManagerGinny has been in education management for over 10 years, with experience in evaluation, data analysis, and continuous improvement.
Ginny Ariaz
gariaz@napacoe.org
Program Manager for Math and ScienceShelly Thelen brings over 22 years of experience in public education as a teacher, instructional leader, and administrator. She currently serves as Program Manager for Math and Science in the Continuous Improvement and Academic Support department at the Napa County Office of Education. In this role, she partners with districts to strengthen instruction, design professional learning, and build systems that advances student success in mathematics and science. Throughout her career, Shelly has been recognized for her equity-driven leadership, supporting educators with innovative instructional practices and fostering collaborative school communities that help all students thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with her two college-aged children and her dog, Booboo.
Shelly Thelen
sthelen@napacoe.org
Fiscal & Operations CoordinatorComing soon