RIVERSIDE – Inspiring student performances and examples of innovative programs and services from Riverside County’s public schools were among the highlights experienced by more than 700 attendees at the Riverside County State of Education Address and Luncheon held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Riverside Convention Center.

The State of Education website at www.rcoe.us/state-of-education features a full video replay, performance video clips, a photo gallery, event program, and more.

“Our students need that something ‘extra’. They need dynamic skills, an innovative mindset, and the ability to adapt quickly as these are the skills that will define success in the decades ahead,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez, during the keynote address. “These are the skills that our schools, educators, and communities must cultivate in every student, regardless of background or circumstance, and we firmly believe that students in Riverside County are receiving an education that is working towards giving them a competitive edge for the rest of their lives.”

Highlights of the event included:

• Keynote address by Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez featuring:
  • Announcement that Riverside County’s graduation rate of 92.4% from the Class of 2024 represents the highest rate among all the largest counties in California.
  • Examples of the competitive edge that students in the county are receiving through the programs and services of the public school system.
  • Highlights from all 23 districts, including California School for the Deaf, Riverside, and multiple charter schools, alongside the Riverside County Office of Education.

• Student performances started and ended the event featuring:
  • Beaumont High School Jazz Ensemble
  • National Anthem by Emily Sanchez from Rubidoux High School in the Jurupa Unified School District
  • Palm Springs Unified School District Honor Singers
  • Eighty 2nd-grade students from Jackson Elementary School in the Riverside Unified School District.

• The Competitive Edge Excellence Award was presented to Gordon Bourns, CEO of Bourns, Incorporated, for his support of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs in Riverside County’s schools.
  
  
• A student art exhibition, The Hundred Dresses Trunk Show, showcased 200 award-winning student-designed dresses inspired by a timeless children’s book by Eleanor Estes.

The 2025 State of Education Address and Luncheon was supported by Platinum Sponsors, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, and Gold Sponsor Learn4Life.

Featured sponsors included: First 5 Riverside County, Riverside Unified School District, Riverside County Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington, Erickson-Hall Construction Company, Kaiser Permanente, and Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud and Romo.

Additional sponsors included: Curriculum Associates, Keenan & Associates, Law Offices of Margaret A. Chidester, Think Together, Western Riverside Council of Governments, California Baptist University Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education, KVCR Public Media, Alliant International University, Ro Health LLC, Benchmark Education, HCN Bank, Palo Verde College, Summit K12, Tilden-Coil Constructors Inc., Balfour Beatty, and Resiliency in the Valley.

About the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE)

RCOE is a service agency supporting the county’s 23 school districts and 500+ schools that serve nearly 430,000 students—more than the student population of 17 states. RCOE services include administrative support to districts and charter schools, programs for preschool, special education, pregnant minor, correctional, migrant, and vocational students. In addition, the organization provides professional training, support, and resources for more than 18,000 teachers, administrators, and staff, throughout the 7,000 square miles of Riverside County. Learn more at www.rcoe.us.