Safe & Healthy Schools

In This Section

About the Program

The Monterey County Office of Education has implemented a multi-disciplinary resource for school safety called the Monterey County Healthy and Safe Schools and Communities Coalition (MCHSSC).

The goals of the coalition are to standardize policies, practices and protocols as much as possible, to promote synergies with community partners, and develop common language, tools and forms that Monterey County school districts and partner agencies will utilize in order to improve communication and respond mental health and safety needs.

Past Coalition Meeting Materials

Meet Our Team

Nicholas Zafiratos

Program Coordinator, Safe Schools for All

School: 831-755-0303

Brett McFadden

Deputy Superintendent

School: 831-755-0373

Brett W. McFadden was appointed Deputy Superintendent for the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) effective July 1, 2022. Brett brings more than 25 years of education policy and leadership experience to MCOE. He is recognized statewide for his expertise in school finance, governance, and effective leadership of TK - Adult instructional programs. As Deputy Superintendent, he assists County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss in the oversight of MCOE’s key administrative and leadership functions.

Prior to his appointment to MCOE, Brett served as the Superintendent for the Nevada Joint Union High School District in Nevada County, California. Prior to being appointed superintendent, Brett served over ten years as an Associate Superintendent and Chief Business Officer in the Monterey Peninsula Unified and the Pajaro Valley Unified school districts. From 1999 to 2009, he led advocacy and consultation services on state and federal TK-12 education policy for the Association of California School Administrators. In this role, he provided consultation services on a wide spectrum of education policies and programs to local education agencies throughout California.

Brett also possesses a wealth of experience in school and local government governance and policy development. He was appointed, and eventually elected, to the Board of Trustees for the Roseville City School District (K-8) from 2007-2010. Over Brett's career, he has served on various appointed commissions and oversight bodies involving regional planning, economic development, and local government services. He also teaches on school leadership, finance and budgeting, collective bargaining, human resources, and facilities for various TK-Adult credentialing and professional development programs statewide.

Brett has a bachelor of arts in political science from California State University Long Beach and a master of arts degree in public administration and policy from the University of Arizona. He is certified as a CBO by the California Association of School Business Officials.

Brett and his wife, Marci, live in Aptos, CA. Marci is the Chief of Communications and Public Engagement for the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. They have two children - Jack (24) and Ryan (21), who are both attending college.