Jacqueline “Jackie” White was sworn in Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools on Sept. 1, becoming the first woman to hold the position in more than a century. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County Office of Education

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Jacqueline “Jackie” White celebrated a historic milestone during her Sept. 1 swearing-in ceremony as Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools, becoming the first woman to hold the position in more than a century.

Surrounded by family, friends, educators and community leaders, White reflected on the people who helped shape her journey, her more than 20 years in public education, and her hopes for the students and communities she now serves.

The occasion marked a new chapter in a career that began in the classroom, where White taught fifth and sixth grades in the Twin Rivers Unified School District. She subsequently served as a principal, district administrator and assistant superintendent at the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), overseeing programs ranging from career technical education and adult education to services for some of the county’s most vulnerable students.

For White, the journey has been both professional and deeply personal.

She spoke warmly about her family, particularly her two grandmothers, one a school secretary and the other a science teacher, whose influence helped shape her life and commitment to education.

“They gave me both roots and wings,” White said, reflecting on the generations who helped make the moment possible.

White also paid tribute to her predecessor, David W. Gordon, who served as county superintendent for more than two decades and whose career in education spans more than 50 years.

“You are a leader among leaders and have always modeled grace, compassion and kindness,” she told Gordon, thanking him for his guidance and generosity during the transition.

The ceremony also featured a spoken-word presentation by Patrice Hill, a longtime educator, poet and director of Sacramento Area Youth Speaks, whose message of hope, resilience and collective responsibility reflected the spirit of the occasion.

“Together as community, embracing transformative leadership, we will light the way. We will fight for education and a brighter day,” Hill told those gathered.

Her presentation, built around the theme “Futures Forward,” emphasized the importance of working together to overcome challenges and create opportunities for future generations.

While recognizing the significance of becoming the first woman to serve as county superintendent since Minnie O’Neill held the position from 1907 to 1914, White emphasized that her attention is firmly on the future.

She acknowledged the challenges confronting public education, including declining enrollment, financial pressures and rapidly changing technology. But her message was one of optimism, determination and shared responsibility.

“We must stand resolute, arm in arm, knowing our children deserve the best we can give them,” White said. “We must dream for them. We must work for them.”

White emphasized that meeting those challenges will require schools, families and communities to work together, listening to students, expanding educational opportunities and strengthening the support systems that help young people succeed.

Her vision extends beyond academic achievement to preparing students for college, careers and meaningful participation in their communities.

Throughout the evening, White returned to the importance of the people who supported her journey and the collective effort needed to improve public education.

“It is with great humility that I recognize there is no me without all of you,” she said.

As she begins her tenure, White hopes to build on Sacramento County’s educational accomplishments while ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Her goal is straightforward but ambitious: creating the conditions for every student in the Sacramento region to “belong, learn, lead and thrive.”

“That is the work. That is the opportunity,” White said. “And it is an honor to do that work with all of you.”

The swearing-in ceremony can be viewed online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWiwuzFHbaE.