Harvey Kuffner Education Center Building Dedication

Building Dedication Ceremony to Honor Mr. Harvey Kuffner
Monterey County Board of Education dedicates building to former, long-time board member

SALINAS, CA – The Monterey County Board of Education (MCOE) is proud to announce the dedication of a newly purchased building in honor of the late Mr. Harvey Kuffner.  The dedication of the Harvey Kuffner Educational Center will take place at noon on Wednesday, January 17, located at 345 Towt Street in Salinas.

Mr. Kuffner was appointed to the Monterey County Board of Education (County Board) in 1996 and served until his death in 2021.  Mr. Kuffner also served as a member of the Monterey County Children’s Council for over 16 years and on the Board of Directors of Community Human Services for over a decade.

Mr.  Kuffner dedicated over 25 years to the children of Monterey County, helping them to succeed and realize their full potential in life. He was at the forefront of many educational and social challenges that faced our children and their families, and worked passionately to develop programs and promote educational opportunities offered throughout Monterey County. As a financial wizard full of insight, Mr. Kuffner strengthened financial resources, built collaborative relationships, and addressed crucial organizational needs. He provided critical leadership, policy direction, and development of a comprehensive and collaborative delivery system of services to children. 

“Mr. Kuffner dedicated over a quarter of a century of his life to providing exemplary leadership to public education in Monterey County,” said Dr. Deneen Guss, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools. “The dedicated Harvey Kuffner Educational Center stands as a testament to Mr. Kuffner’s enduring legacy and contributions. This facility will serve as a reminder of the values and principles that he embodies throughout his tenure.“

The Harvey Kuffner Educational Center, located adjacent to MCOE’s Bard Blades School and previously known as the Girl Scout Program Center, will now become a dynamic facility where students and family members can engage in a variety of activities and enrichment programs, and where MCOE can host professional development opportunities for educators to enhance their skills, improve teaching methodologies, and ultimately benefit students.

Guests of honor at the ceremony will include Mr. Kuffner’s widow, Mrs. Kay Kuffner, alongside family members.   Additional attendees will include current and prior County Board members, elected officials, school district officials, and organization leaders within the community.

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