Dean Patterson
Education Administrator
Sacramento,CA
Summary
Strategic and results-driven education finance leader with almost five years of experience managing large-scale public funding programs and policy initiatives. Proven expertise in overseeing the allocation of over $50 billion in state funds, including LCFF, special education, and emergency ADA programs. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, developing and implementing complex funding policies, and collaborating with legislative and oversight bodies on politically sensitive education finance issues. Recognized for driving operational excellence, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, and delivering high-impact guidance to LEAs, SELPAs, and state agencies. Committed to advancing equitable and transparent funding systems that support California’s diverse student population.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
4039
4039
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Education Administrator
California Department of Education
10.2021 - Current
- Lead the implementation of complex funding formulas for LCFF and Special Education (AB 602), ensuring accurate and timely allocation of over $50 billion in state and federal funds.
- Serve as the department’s subject matter expert on attendance accounting, instructional time, and emergency-related ADA funding, including oversight of Form J-13A processing.
- Oversee the creation of technical guidance, legislative reports, and public-facing communications to support LEAs, SELPAs, and state agencies.
- Provide authoritative responses to complex policy and fiscal inquiries from LEAs, legislators, and internal stakeholders.
- Facilitate cross-divisional collaboration to align program implementation and ensure consistency across funding streams.
- Ensure timely collection and processing of LEA-reported data and make policy decisions related to funding calculations and program compliance.
Education Programs Consultant
California Department of Education
12.2020 - 09.2021
- Delivered timely and accurate technical assistance to LEAs on instructional time and attendance accounting, ensuring compliance with state laws and fiscal policies.
- Developed and presented training materials to support staff onboarding and LEA understanding of statutory changes and their fiscal impacts.
- Managed multiple high-priority projects under tight deadlines, demonstrating strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Collaborated with external agencies on policy development and implementation strategies.
- Analyzed proposed legislation for fiscal impact and contributed to the drafting of amended bill language to support program goals.
Educator | Secondary and Postsecondary Instruction & Program Coordination
K-12 Institutions
07.2012 - 12.2020
- Delivered high-quality instruction in English Language Arts and college readiness courses across diverse educational settings, including public, charter, international, and correctional education environments.
- Served in leadership roles such as College Coordinator and Acting Administrator, overseeing academic programming, student support services, and cross-agency collaboration with local community colleges and correctional staff.
- Founded and led initiatives such as a High School and College Honor Roll Program and SAT preparation workshops.
- Supported at-promise and formerly incarcerated students through academic counseling, study sessions, and resource navigation, contributing to improved recruitment and retention in college programs.
- Participated in school accreditation processes (e.g., WASC, AdvancED) and served on leadership and assessment committees to enhance instructional quality and institutional accountability.
Education
B.A. - English (Honors)
San Diego State University
San Diego, CAM.A. & Credential - Education
UC Davis Graduate School For Education
Davis, CA 05.2001 - 01.2012
Administrative Credential -
National University
Sacramento, CASkills
- Attendance Accounting & Instructional Time
- Audit Compliance
- Policy Analysis & Legislative Review
- Public Speaking & Presentation Development
- Strategic Planning & Program Implementation
Certification
• CA Single Subject English 6-12 Credential
Accomplishments
- Mult-Agency Charter School Audits Task Force Member
- Featured Presenter at statewide conferences and professional roundtables, including the California Coalition of Early & Middle Colleges Dual Enrollment Conference and School Services of California’s Form J-13A and Dual Enrollment Roundtables
Timeline
Education Administrator
California Department of Education
10.2021 - Current
Education Programs Consultant
California Department of Education
12.2020 - 09.2021
Educator | Secondary and Postsecondary Instruction & Program Coordination
K-12 Institutions
07.2012 - 12.2020
M.A. & Credential - Education
UC Davis Graduate School For Education
05.2001 - 01.2012
B.A. - English (Honors)
San Diego State University
Administrative Credential -
National University
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