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Organization

Department offices and links to Web pages where more information is available.

Overview
An overview of the entire California Department of Education (CDE) showing branches and divisions.

Executive Office

Branches and Divisions

State Superintendent of Public Instruction and Director of Education -- Tony Thurmond

Co-Chief Deputy Superintendents of Public Instruction -- Mary Nicely and Nancy Kim Portillo

Government Affairs Division -- Amy Tang-Paterno, Director

Information & Technology Branch -- Mary Nicely

Instruction, Measurement & Administration Branch -- Cheryl Cotton, Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction
Oversees programs promoting improved student achievement. Programs include statewide student assessment, school and district interventions, state and federal accountability, and collection and reporting of educational data.

Legal, Audits and Charters Branch -- Len Garfinkel, General Counsel

Opportunities for All Branch -- Sarah Neville-Morgan, Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction
Helps all students—from infant and toddlers to adults—to fulfill their goals by supporting teachers, educators, and school and district leaders while celebrating diversity and embracing inclusion before, during, and after school.

Operations & Administration Branch -- Abel Guillen, Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction
Oversees the CDE budget, accounting, information systems, and personnel services; apportionment of state and federal resources to local educational agencies (LEAs); and assistance to LEAs for fiscal and business aspects of public schools.

Student Achievement Branch -- Nancy Kim Portillo

Student Support Services Branch -- Steve Zimmer, Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction
Formerly known as the Equity Branch, this branch includes a newly formed Whole Child Division as well as a focus on college and career transition, student achievement and support, and oversees our newly created counseling coalition to help support CDE’s organizational development around building counseling, social emotional learning (SEL), and other whole child programs. This branch has been specifically designed and named (including the addition of a health and mental health program) to better reflect the important work of the three divisions in this branch and to align work to strengthen the student supports we have built during the pandemic.

Superintendent's Initiatives Branch -- Vacant, Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction
Oversees the State Superintendent's initiatives and scheduling as well as communications and government affairs.

Strategy, Policy & Special Projects Branch -- Dr. Erika Torres, Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction

Questions:   California Department of Education | 916-319-0800
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, January 2, 2024
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  • Form and Template Standards (added 05-Feb-2024)
    Requirements for forms and templates that are developed, procured, maintained, or used under the purview of the California Department of Education (CDE).