The Merced County Office of education (MCOE) is an intermediary agency between the California State Department of Education and the local school districts. The MCOE provides districts with support such as payroll, accounting, information systems, and media services. In addition, the MCOE operates direct educational programs that include: Special Education, ROP, Migrant Education, Community School, Environmental Education, and others.
The MCOE procures for its programs using a centralized purchasing system. The MCOE aspires to maintain a mutually cooperative yet actively competitive attitude in order to obtain the best possible quality, price, and delivery. Large Merced County school districts purchase independently of the MCOE.