History

The year was 1853 and an early Mormon settler to California, Captain Jefferson Hunt was serving as an assemblyman for Los Angeles County. During the fourth session of the California State Legislature, Hunt introduced a bill for the formation of San Bernardino County from eastern Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County became its own.

This was the same session of the Legislature that passed the act providing for the county assessor of each county in California to be duly constituted the superintendent of common schools for the county. Then County Assessor William Stout was named ex-officio county superintendent for San Bernardino.

Much has been documented about the rich and colorful history of the San Bernardino County region. It was, and remains, the largest geographical county in the nation. From its vast deserts to forested mountains and water-filled valleys, the terrain was as diverse as the peoples who inhabited it. The history of education in San Bernardino County bears no exception.

During this 150-year period of time, the complexion of life in the county has seen a dramatic change. These changes brought a greater awakening as to the importance of public education, and new responsibilities for the county superintendent of schools in providing educational opportunities for children. What first began as mere clerical responsibilities for county superintendents has evolved into that of providing leadership and advocacy, a wide array of services, and direct support for public schools and districts, students and their families.

We’re proud of our heritage and the role this office has served in the full spectrum of education as a contributing factor to the quality of life in our unique region. As we celebrate our sesquicentennial and a long-standing tradition of educational excellence in San Bernardino County, we continue to look toward the future and the promise of another 150 years of teaching students well.