Meet Paula

A lifelong Merced County resident, Paula Heupel grew up on her family farm in Hilmar, learning responsibility and service by balancing chores with school, athletics, and leadership.

Paula earned a Liberal Studies Degree from CSU Fresno, with a minor in Agricultural Business. She later completed a master's at Fresno Pacific University, an Administrative Credential at CSU Stanislaus, and an Education Finance Certification from Georgetown University.

She began her career in 1989 with Merced City Schools, serving as a classroom and library media teacher. She was recognized as a teacher leader, launched an arts integration program, and mentored new educators.

In 2001, Paula moved into district leadership, launching initiatives as a District Coordinator of Mathematics for PreK–8 and Special Education. She managed over $2 million in grants, led Summer Algebra and Language Academies, and served as liaison for the UC Merced Science & Math Initiative.

Paula later served as principal of Donn B. Chenoweth Elementary, which received Academic Achievement Awards in 2010 and 2011. She led curriculum, instruction, and technology efforts and managed district budgets. In 2020, she joined the Merced County Office of Education to drive countywide implementation plans in Early Childhood and K–12, expanding college and university resources for districts.

Since 2022, Paula has served as Superintendent of the El Nido Elementary School District, where she has improved attendance, achievement, and local partnerships.

Paula is active in her church and volunteer organizations. She and her husband have built their farming business in Le Grand, where they raised their two children.


Meet Paula

A lifelong Merced County resident, Paula Heupel grew up on her family farm in Hilmar, learning responsibility and service by balancing chores with school, athletics, and leadership.

Paula earned a Liberal Studies Degree from CSU Fresno, with a minor in Agricultural Business. She later completed a master's at Fresno Pacific University, an Administrative Credential at CSU Stanislaus, and an Education Finance Certification from Georgetown University.

She began her career in 1989 with Merced City Schools, serving as a classroom and library media teacher. She was recognized as a teacher leader, launched an arts integration program, and mentored new educators.

In 2001, Paula moved into district leadership, launching initiatives as a District Coordinator of Mathematics for PreK–8 and Special Education. She managed over $2 million in grants, led Summer Algebra and Language Academies, and served as liaison for the UC Merced Science & Math Initiative.

Paula later served as principal of Donn B. Chenoweth Elementary, which received Academic Achievement Awards in 2010 and 2011. She led curriculum, instruction, and technology efforts and managed district budgets. In 2020, she joined the Merced County Office of Education to drive countywide implementation plans in Early Childhood and K–12, expanding college and university resources for districts.

Since 2022, Paula has served as Superintendent of the El Nido Elementary School District, where she has improved attendance, achievement, and local partnerships.

Paula is active in her church and volunteer organizations. She and her husband have built their farming business in Le Grand, where they raised their two children.


Meet Paula

A lifelong Merced County resident, Paula Heupel grew up on her family farm in Hilmar, learning responsibility and service by balancing chores with school, athletics, and leadership.

Paula earned a Liberal Studies Degree from CSU Fresno, with a minor in Agricultural Business. She later completed a master's at Fresno Pacific University, an Administrative Credential at CSU Stanislaus, and an Education Finance Certification from Georgetown University.

She began her career in 1989 with Merced City Schools, serving as a classroom and library media teacher. She was recognized as a teacher leader, launched an arts integration program, and mentored new educators.

In 2001, Paula moved into district leadership, launching initiatives as a District Coordinator of Mathematics for PreK–8 and Special Education. She managed over $2 million in grants, led Summer Algebra and Language Academies, and served as liaison for the UC Merced Science & Math Initiative.

Paula later served as principal of Donn B. Chenoweth Elementary, which received Academic Achievement Awards in 2010 and 2011. She led curriculum, instruction, and technology efforts and managed district budgets. In 2020, she joined the Merced County Office of Education to drive countywide implementation plans in Early Childhood and K–12, expanding college and university resources for districts.

Since 2022, Paula has served as Superintendent of the El Nido Elementary School District, where she has improved attendance, achievement, and local partnerships.

Paula is active in her church and volunteer organizations. She and her husband have built their farming business in Le Grand, where they raised their two children.