State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell encourages first-graders at Fairmont Elementary School in to pipe up for every "moo" Wednesday as he reads "Clack, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type" by Doreen Cronin. (Brad Zweerink/The Reporter)

Students at Fairmont Elementary School in Vacaville knew it was special that State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell visited Wednesday - even if they weren't quite sure who he was.

Sixth-grader Jennifer Gomez, who acted as a student "ambassador" during O'Connell's visit, admitted her own uncertainty on the issue.

"We know he's a very important guy," she said solemnly.

And when first-grade teacher Nancy Hiestand introduced the state superintendent to her students, they let out a small cry.

"A supermodel!" one student breathed.

O'Connell heads the California Department of Education, overseeing the state's 9,000 public school districts, and working to improve the quality of public schools. Elected to office in 2002, he took a break from his work in the state capital Wednesday to visit the Vacaville Unified School District, and some of his most important constituents.

O'Connell began his tour at Fairmont, accompanied by district superintendent John Aycock, trustees William Hausler and Jay Yerkes, and Fairmont principal Tom Armstrong. From there, he traveled to Will C. Wood High School to visit a virtual enterprise class, then to Vacaville High School to see a biotech class.

The high school students probably had a stronger sense of who O'Connell was. Back in Hiestand's class, though, identity meant little compared to O'Connell's aptitude at reading loudly and with expression. Lowering his tall frame into a plastic chair, O'Connell proved himself early in "Click, Clack, Moo; Cows that Type."

Encouraging students to pipe up for every "moo," O'Connell swiftly galvanized a throaty chorus of animal sounds. He hunched forward in his chair as he read, and students craned their necks to make sure they didn't miss a thing.

"I think this might become my new favorite book," declared O'Connell.

Students also gave O'Connell a present, which he opened to reveal two pens and a necktie decorated with chalkboards, math problems, and apples.

"I'll think of you every time I use them," promised O'Connell.

Emerging from the classroom, O'Connell had positive words for the Vacaville Unified School District.

"It has a very good administration" and a committed community, he said. "It's a district that has a good reputation."

Hiestand said O'Connell's visit made an impact on her students.

"It makes them think 'We're important,' " said Hiestand. "And it makes them think, 'Reading's great! Everybody reads.' "

Julie Kay can be reached at school@thereporter.com.

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