17吃瓜网

By Laurie Trujillo, CFRE
17吃瓜网 Director of Communication and Development

Over the past few months, we have highlighted how our ministries work to fulfill the Northern California Conference鈥檚 purpose of connecting people to a more abundant life with Jesus and preparing for the Second Coming. This month, we asked: How does our school system achieve this mission? The answer was found in an unexpected place鈥攖he Pacific Union Conference Education Code.

What is the Education Code?

The Pacific Union Conference Education Code, adopted by the Northern California Conference, is more than a manual of operational policies鈥攊t鈥檚 a spirit-led, values-based framework designed to foster safe, nurturing, and spiritually grounded learning environments. Rooted in biblical principles, it governs every aspect of our school operations, including staffing, curriculum, financial stewardship, professional conduct, and student safety.

Ellen G. White once wrote, 鈥淭rue education means more than the pursual of a certain course of study… It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man鈥� (Education, p. 13). This holistic vision is reflected in the Education Code鈥檚 dual focus: protecting students and honoring educators.

Albert Miller, Superintendent of Schools for the Northern California Conference (17吃瓜网), explains, 鈥淲e鈥檙e not just filling classrooms. We鈥檙e calling people to a ministry. Our educators are spiritually grounded and professionally equipped鈥攖rained not only to teach, but to mentor students into thoughtful, Christ-centered lives.鈥�

How Does the Education Code Protect the Children in Our Care?

It affirms student well-being through a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, aligning with 17吃瓜网 policy that requires immediate reporting of any suspected child abuse or neglect. Comprehensive screening and training鈥攊ncluding background checks and abuse prevention certifications鈥攁re mandated for all school personnel by 17吃瓜网 policy and supported by the Code.

To further safeguard students, schools must conduct regular safety audits, maintain effective emergency protocols, and create environments where students feel emotionally and physically secure. Grounded in Christian compassion, 17吃瓜网 holds all staff to the highest standards of integrity and respectful interaction. Confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms for students and their families ensure that every voice is heard, and every concern is taken seriously.

鈥淪afety goes beyond compliance,鈥� Miller says. 鈥淲hile we meet all of California鈥檚 legal requirements for working with children, for us, it鈥檚 more than legal鈥攊t鈥檚 deeply moral. We want every child to feel safe, seen, and loved.鈥�

How Does the Code Uphold the Dignity of Employees?

It safeguards the dignity of those called to teach. Investigations involving staff must be conducted in a confidential, fair, and impartial manner. Employees are guaranteed due process, including the right to respond, access support, and receive updates.

Its goal is to foster a professional culture of trust, transparency, and growth, emphasizing respectful communication and restorative practices. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 rush to judgment or jump to conclusions,鈥� Miller explains. “Clear expectations matter, but so does restoration.鈥�

How Impactful Are These Policies and Practices?

In today鈥檚 complex world, 17吃瓜网鈥檚 adoption of the Pacific Union Conference Education Code serves as both a shield and a compass, protecting the vulnerable and guiding educators in their sacred mission.

Recently, a student sent us a letter: 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 grow up Adventist and struggled in public school, never seeing much purpose in learning. That changed when I enrolled in an Adventist school near our new home. Expecting the same thing, I was surprised to be met with compassion, patience, and a teacher who helped me discover both Jesus and a love for learning. For the first time, I cared about school, found subjects I enjoyed, and began dreaming about the future with Jesus in my life. Even with severe ADHD, I feel accepted and respected. I look forward to attending the academy near my home.”

With 31 schools, more than 2,000 students, and over 200 educators, 17吃瓜网鈥檚 education system is the longest-running evangelistic effort in our territory. In 2024, school-age children and youth accounted for 18% of all 17吃瓜网 baptisms.

鈥淎dventist education is more than academics,鈥� Miller concludes. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about shaping lives鈥攐ne heart, one mind at a time鈥攆or this life and the life to come.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, June 5, 2025
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