Mike Freeman has been in K-12 education in northern California for 25 years. He is a graduate of California State University-Chico with a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish. He earned his teaching, administrative credential, and a Master's Degree in Education from National University.
His career in education has included a wide range of roles including high school Spanish Teacher at Foothill High School, high school Assistant Principal at Anderson HIgh School, middle school Principal at Mountain View Middle School, and district Superintendent/Principal for the Grant Elementary School District. He joined the Instructional Services team at the Shasta County Office of Education (SCOE) in 2019 as a Senior Executive Director and in June 2021 he became the Associate Superintendent of Instructional Services for SCOE.
In February 2024, he was appointed by the Board to replace Judy Flores as the County Superintendent of Schools and he has been serving in that role since June 13th of 2024. Throughout his career in education, Mike has been passionate about helping schools right here in Shasta County. He has worked with educators, families, and community partners to support all aspects of student success.
About Mike
From the classroom to site, district, and county leadership, Mike has spent the last 25 years working with Shasta County kids, families, and educators from preschool to high school.
Mike’s Professional Experience
Mike’s Guiding Principles
The 3-Legged Stool
In his office, Mike has a 3-legged stool as a reminder of the three essential pieces needed for kids to learn. Students thrive when schools, parents and guardians, and students work together like the legs on the stool. Schools provide skilled teachers, safe environments, and high-quality instruction. Parents and guardians are the experts when it comes to their children and they reinforce learning through support, encouragement, and high expectations at home. Just as important, students bring their best effort, curiosity, and responsibility for their own growth. Any one leg is weak or missing, the stool becomes unstable. So it is with learning. Everyone has a role to play and everyone is essential. When everyone is aligned and works together, amazing things happen in the lives of kids.
Other Core Values…
The things that matter most are the things that last the longest.
Every kid is my kid.
The right thing is rarely easy, instant, or cheap.
Good enough never is.
The obstacle is the way. Ego is the enemy.
Parents are experts and partners.
Laugh + Think + Cry = A Good Day
Personal Life
Mike is a Red Bluff kid who fell in love with a Redding girl. He has been married to Kelly Freeman for almost 30 years and they are the proud parents of Grace and Abe. While raising their family, Mike and Kelly were involved in youth sports, school clubs and music programs, and serving in church. The kids are off to college now, but Mike and Kelly still love supporting the Shasta County community in many ways. Mike’s life outside of work is centered around faith, family, and friends.
