Longtime SLO County schools superintendent Julian Crocker dies: ‘The classiest educator’
Longtime San Luis Obispo County educator and former superintendent of county schools Julian Crocker has died, family and school officials confirmed Friday. He was 81.
“Julian Crocker was the leader whom I have admired most in my career,” Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Superintendent Curt Dubost said in a Facebook post Friday. “I only wish I could ever live up to the standards of professionalism, competence and humanity he set for us all.
Crocker died Thursday, according to the post, which was shared on Paso Robles’ school district social media.
“We will all miss him more than words can express,” the district said in the post.
Former superintendent left legacy of SLO County educational programs
Crocker had a long education career, starting in 1972. Over the years he served in a number of leadership roles, including as a superintendent in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
In San Luis Obispo County, he worked as superintendent of the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District for nine years before he was elected as county schools superintendent in 1998.
He would serve in that position for 16 years, before retiring in 2015. He additionally served as interim superintendent of Paso Robles schools in 2019.
At the time of his retirement, Crocker told The Tribune the most rewarding part of his role had been the ability to look at educational issues such as student achievement and close the achievement gap from a countywide perspective.
His legacy included a number of programs serving special student populations, such as three community schools, the Grizzly Youth Academy, the Rancho El Chorro Outdoor School, several preschools and the AVID program, according to Tribune files.
He was also a founding member of the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County, and was instrumental in a number of programs aimed at early childhood education through that group.
That included starting the “Raising a Reader” program in 2003, which had children and their families read more than 100 books together in six months.
“Ever the gentleman, he was the classiest educator with whom I have ever had the pleasure of working,” Dubost wrote in the Facebook post. “He was also among the most admirable of men I have had the privilege of knowing and calling my friend and colleague.
“Paso Robles Schools, the students of San Luis Obispo County and all of us who worked under his mentorship are better for it.”
Dubost added that beyond his professional accomplishments, Crocker was also a kind friend.
“On a personal level, Julian was the first to arrive at our home when my wife Kate and I lost our son Jacob to an accident,” Dubost wrote. “He was always there for me with wise counsel and a kind word. I will miss him immensely.”
Community members shared memories of Crocker online soon after the announcement of his passing.
“Thank you Julian, for the friendship, always ready to do anything for anyone,” the Cambria Community Chorale wrote in a message on its Facebook page. “We love you and will miss you forever.“
The Paso Robles school district also shared a message from Crocker’s family:
“Dear friends, our family appreciates your prayers and support during Julian’s illness and now, with his passing,” they said.
The family asked that instead of food or flowers, people send donations to The Julian Crocker Community Scholarship Fund, care of the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County, at 550 Dana St. in San Luis Obispo.
Online donations can be made at www.cfsloco.org/donate/?fund=4509.
