Theresa Hawk
New to Colusa County, Theresa Hawk is proud to call Colusa County Home.
“I have worked in both large and small school districts, but I prefer rural areas,” said Hawk, “I grew up in a small town.”
Hawk is currently employed with the Colusa County Office of Education as the Assistant Superintendent and is the director of Special Education/SELPA.
“I have a lot of experience in administering and managing school sites and programs,” said Hawk, “I have also taught preschool to college courses.”
Hawk has completed her Master’s in Education Leadership, and has completed a 100 hour AS-CA academy on school district financing and personnel.
“I have worked with all four school districts in the county, and I have a broad overview of the districts and familiar with the staff at all sites,” Hawk added.
Hawk hopes to assist the districts improve and expand their services; additionally, she will ad-dress the Special Education Local Plan Area and find a suitable use for the Education Village in Williams.
“We already have this wonderful facility that can provide a great opportunity,” said Hawk, “it will be my job to find the appropriate use for the education village, one that will benefit the county and its students.”
Hawk has resided on the State Chair of Coalition of Special Education, and participated in an advocacy group going to Washing ton D.C. and advocating both at the state and federal levels.
“Communication is the key, and I believe that it is important to receive input from the community and staff to address any issues or concerns they may have.” said Hawk.
Looking forward as the Colusa County Superintendent of Schools, Hawk is convinced that her strong background in education leadership and her understanding of district budgets will enable her to do the job efficiently.
“I believe I can do a great job,” said Hawk, “I am excited to work with the community and continue to build what has been already started.
Mike West
For 27 years, Mike West has called Colusa County home.
“I knew early on, that I wanted to be an integral part of this county and give back to all those communities that touched and openly received my family,” said West.
Starting his teaching career in 1978, West has had a vast range of teaching experiences; these experiences include classroom instruction of alternative and traditional education.
Currently West is the Vice Principal of Colusa High School, a position he has held for the past five years.
“My qualifications of dynamic leadership, successful business experience and strong communication skills are all reasons why I am seeking the office of Colusa County Superintendent of Schools,” said West, “I will always put the needs of Colusa County Children first as they are all our kids.”
West has completed his Masters, in Educational Leadership and has been involved in many local civic organizations, and served on the Colusa City Council and Colusa City Planning Commission.
As a 35 year business owner, West shares his experience with administration and fiscal soundness.
“My Administrative experience is developed beyond my business background,” said West, “I have the ability to manage budgets and operating costs, this experience will guide me through the myriad of issues facing the school systems today.” he added.
West hopes to put a stop to the current proposal to dissolve the Special Education Services with the County.
“I believe that special education needs to stay with the County not sending it off to the districts or other counties,” said West, “I also want to put a halt to phase two of the Education Village and reevaluate the costs, maintenance and future of the facility, and determine how to best serve the needs of those it was meant to support.”
Looking forward, as the Colusa County Superintendent of Schools, West plans to be the advocate for the children of Colusa County, to increase communication and regain the trust of all districts, parents, and staff.
“My educational philosophy involves a great deal of dynamic understanding of students, teachers, parents and the local community,” said West, ”There are great adversities for all educators to get our young people prepared for the 21st century and beyond.”
