To the MBUSD Community,
It has been a heck of a year. The pandemic challenged all of us in ways we have never known before. We fought through it, and as the county allowed, we brought our employees and students back to school safely. Next week, we begin every-day-of-the-week instruction for our students who selected in-person learning. It feels like the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter, bringing hope to us all.
With that light shining brighter, I am announcing today that after eleven years as your superintendent, it is time for me to take on my next challenge in life. Last year, at the July 8, 2020 Board Meeting, I asked the Board not to extend my contract, which ends on June 30, 2021. I have informed the board that I have not changed my mind, and believe me, it was no easy decision. I have loved every year in this district. It has been an honor to work alongside the dedicated and caring employees of MBUSD, striving together to create ever-improving academic environments for our students. And it has been an honor to serve the students and families of MBUSD, who give so much to help this district be an example of excellence for others to emulate.
I’m so proud of all we have done together since 2010 - the curricular changes, the construction that has transformed and revitalized our campuses, the partnerships we have developed, the leaders who have risen from our ranks, the awards we have won, and the way we have become a truly unified district, with teachers and employees learning together and from each other. It’s a long list, and all of us should celebrate what we have accomplished together.
In my life I have served as a high school teacher, an assistant principal, a middle school principal, a high school principal, an assistant superintendent, and as a superintendent. I am 59 years old, but I am not planning on retiring, yet. I have always been a fan of change, for both organizations and individuals, as I believe it helps both to grow. Mark Twain said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” I’ve done just that many times in my career, and I have never regretted any of the changes I have made. My next adventure could be anything, and I look forward to whatever that is. While I have no firm plans for what is next, I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead.
It is not yet time for goodbye. There is a ton of work to be done between now and June 30, and I look forward to finishing this school year strongly, and preparing for the 2021-22 school year. The Board will formally begin the search process for my replacement this week. MBUSD Board President Jen Fenton will soon share information about the process with all of you.
With the greatest of respect and gratitude,
