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Communications staff to develop 'Model County' simulation for high-school civic education
Summary
County communications staff member JJ proposed a simulation‑based educational program for high school students to learn county government processes; the board gave consensus for staff to develop the idea and seek school‑district or partner interest.
The Board of Supervisors gave county communications staff permission in work session Wednesday to spend time developing a “Model County” simulation for high school students intended to teach how county government works.
Communications staff member JJ described a simulation similar to Model UN in which students would be assigned roles—supervisor, sheriff, journalist or activist—and presented with a problem to solve under role constraints. “It’s a simulation based educational experience where high school students play a role, and are presented with a problem to solve and have to do so within the constraints of that role,” JJ said.
Supervisors expressed broad support and noted existing curricular resources such as County Government Week and materials from the National Association of Counties (NACo) that could be adapted. One supervisor offered to connect staff with a Compass program working on local‑government curriculum for people with disabilities. Staff said they would first reach out to the largest school districts and to partners to assess feasibility and potential scheduling.
Direction: The board gave consensus to proceed with developing the program concept and to return with a proposal after outreach to local school districts and partner organizations.
Why it matters: The program aims to increase civic literacy about county government functions and could shape future engagement between students and local government.
