Manteca resident Mick Founts is virtually assured of election in June to the job as the San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools.

Founts is the only candidate to qualify for the ballot by the deadline. A write-in candidate could still seek election.

The elective office is responsible for making sure that all county schools have balanced budgets not just for the coming year but two and three years out under state law.

It is a situation that Founts describes as “ridiculous” given the fact the state - which provides the bulk of school district funding - never adopts its budget before the deadline they impose on school districts.

The county office also provides assistance through special programs to various districts and is directly involved with running special education schools, migrant education, teacher development, charter schools, community schools, and occupational training programs in addition to such activities as science camp to academic decathlon competition.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to build on the strong foundation that we have created with the goal of providing of quality educational programs for each and every child that lives within the county,” said Founts, who currently serves as Deputy Superintendent SJCOE.

Founts recalled his first classroom assignment as a 21-year-old was as an English teacher in room 39 at Manteca High. He served as an assistant football coach as well as wrestling coach and eventually was the head football coach for five years when Ed Brasmer was principal.

After Manteca High he worked in Modesto City Schools and then Lodi Unified before joining the county office in 1991.

Founts was instrumental in the development of the one. program.

No opposition means Manteca’s  20-year streak of having a local resident in the county’s highest elected school position will continue for another four years.

Rick Wentworth is retiring from the post after 20 years when his current term expires in December.

Wentworth’s 43-year education career started at Escalon High where he taught and has served as a basketball coach. He eventually joined East Union High as an administrator before advancing to the county office.

 “I am proud Mick’s bid for the seat has been successful,” Wentworth said. “I have full confidence that Mick will continue to develop innovative programs and services to serve our students and educators of San Joaquin County.”