With deep sadness, the passing of Nancy Magee has been announced just shy of her 67th birthday, leaving a profound impact across San Mateo County and beyond. A respected leader in education, her decades of service shaped schools, strengthened communities, and influenced countless lives.
Nancy Magee dedicated more than 20 years to classroom teaching before going on to serve eight years as Superintendent within the San Mateo County Office of Education. Throughout her career, she remained committed to preparing students for successful futures, consistently championing both academic achievement and student well-being.
Her leadership played a key role in advancing major collaborative initiatives, including The Big Lift, United for Youth Vision 2030 Blueprint, the Child Care Partnership Council, and the Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities. Through her work in school safety, she helped implement preventative measures that contributed to safer learning environments across the county.
Beyond her accomplishments, Magee was widely known for her inclusive and thoughtful leadership style. She made it a priority to listen, collaborate, and bring together diverse perspectives, always keeping students at the center of every decision. Colleagues remember her as a steady and compassionate presence—especially during challenging periods like the COVID-19 pandemic—when her guidance helped school leaders navigate uncertainty.
Her legacy is reflected not only in the systems she strengthened but in the relationships she built. She is also remembered for her devotion to family, particularly in her role as a grandmother.
Nancy Magee’s passing leaves a lasting void, but her influence will continue to be felt through the students, educators, and communities she uplifted throughout her life.
May she rest in peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire future generations.
About the Author
