Scott Kuykendall was elected Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools in November 2018 and sworn into office on January 7, 2019. He was re-elected in 2022 and sworn into office for a 2nd term on January 4, 2023. As Superintendent, he oversees the Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) with a staff of over 1,150 and a budget of over $301 million. SCOE provides direct instructional programs and support services to the 25 school districts in Stanislaus County. This includes 200 schools and over 108,000 students. The office also provides regional programs and services in a seven-county area.

A graduate of CSU, Stanislaus, Kuykendall began his career in 1994 as a high school teacher. Since then, he has served as vice principal, principal, and director at both the district and county level, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Options at SCOE, and now Superintendent of Schools. 

Kuykendall led the Educational Options Division at SCOE for eight years and was instrumental in developing innovative programs for students and adults. He’s been responsible for overseeing all SCOE alternative education schools, including the Stanislaus Military Academy, Valley Charter High School, and CBK Adult Charter School, a program offering adults a second chance at a high school diploma. He was also responsible for implementing the culinary arts program in Oakdale. Kuykendall promotes the success of students through a shared vision of learning that truly encompasses all students. His vision of learning stretches the full gamut because he knows one size does not fit all. Different students need different experiences.

 As Kuykendall begins his 2nd four-year term in office, his vision is to:  

• Provide support and resources to address the learning loss experienced through the pandemic
• Focus on improving reading and math scores
• Continue partnership with districts through Cradle to Career 
• Boost the number of college graduates to address shortages in fields including education and healthcare

Awards and Activities

• ACSA Alternative Education Administrator of the Year – 2017
• Modesto Bee – “Top 20 Under 40” Recipient, January 2006
• Keynote Speaker, The Orestimba Scholarship Community Association dinner, May 2005
• Adjunct Professor, CSU, Stanislaus and Brandman University – Teacher Credentialing Program
• Fullbright Scholarship Recipient, June 1997 – Venezuela Cultural Exchange
• Guest teacher, CSU Stanislaus, HILT (High-Intensity Language Training), Summer 1996

Kuykendall is a member of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), California County Superintendents, California School Boards Association, Knights of Columbus, and Board Chairperson for the Stanislaus Head Start Program. He is a founding member of the Cradle to Career Partnership; CEO of the Education Foundation; Executive Board member of the Association of Stanislaus County School Boards and the Stanislaus Partners in Education (SPIE), and Director of the Stanislaus County Charitable Foundation Board.

Scott resides in Turlock with his wife Alison, and their three sons: Connor, William, and Joseph.