GUSD Superintendent Finalist

Source: GUSD Board of Trustees

The Goleta Union School District Board of Trustees has been conducting a search for the District’s next Superintendent since the announcement that current Superintendent, William Banning, would be retiring this June.

After a robust community outreach process, the Board interviewed five finalists on May 12, 2016. At the conclusion of finalist interviews, the Board has selected Dr. Donna Lewis as the finalist for the Superintendent position.

“The Board received a great deal of feedback from our community about the qualities the District is looking for in our next leader. Dr. Lewis has a proven track record of being a collaborative leader and facilitating student success. We look forward to welcoming her to Goleta” said Board President Luz Reyes-Martin.

Dr. Lewis is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for San Mateo-Foster City School District. Dr. Lewis has a richly varied background including instruction, student services, special education, human resources, finance, facilities and more. Her experience with students ranges from preschool through college. She has served in a variety of educational settings from large urban school districts with diverse students, Title I schools, and large English Learner populations, to close-knit districts in affluent areas.

She has been recognized for her service in diverse environments with the Multicultural Education Committee Award, led a school to achieve the California Distinguished School Award and was named Outstanding Administrator by the PTA. Dr. Lewis also has expertise in reciprocal partnerships to enhance programs and services for students and has presented internationally and locally on this topic.

In her current position, Dr. Lewis provides leadership and direction in the implementation of the district’s human resource program for a diverse K-8 district with 20 schools, 12,500 students and 1,200 employees. She helps to support progressive instructional programs including dual immersion, STEAM/STEM, International Baccalaureate, Project Based Learning and Montessori.

Dr. Lewis commented that “Goleta Union School District is inspiring because of its successful instructional programs, diverse student population, outstanding staff and close-knit community that values intimate neighborhood schools. I believe in success for all students and I am honored that the Board of Trustees has selected me to be Superintendent and continue the District’s mission to maximize academic, intellectual and personal growth for each student.”

The Board of Trustees made its decision with input gathered from all key stakeholder groups in the District regarding the qualities of the next Superintendent. The Board was assisted in the search by Phil Quon and Marc Ecker, consultants from the firm of Leadership Associates.

The Board is expected to introduce and appoint Dr. Lewis as their Superintendent Finalist at their May 24 meeting, with formal approval of a comprehensive employment contract at their meeting on June 14.