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The Pleasanton Unified School District welcomed a cohort of 15 new principals, vice principals and administrators who stepped into vacant positions at the start of the new academic year.
One of those school-site leaders is Gwendolyn DeWees, the new principal at Hart Middle School. She is taking over after Caroline Fields, a longtime educator, retired in June.
“I am thrilled and honored to be joining the talented faculty and staff of Hart Middle School, as well as partnering with the dedicated educators throughout Pleasanton Unified School District,” DeWees said in a statement.
Hart’s new principal is a veteran educator who, for 25 years, worked as a high school English and language arts teacher, an instructional coach and as an administrator. Most recently, she served as the principal of Kennedy Middle School in Cupertino.
“My core belief is that all students should experience a deep sense of belonging within their school community,” DeWees said. “As a relationship- and student-centered leader, my focus is always on building connections and trust.”
The other new principal is Lisa Padway at Vintage Hills Elementary School. She succeeded former principal and longtime educator Carole Stothers, who announced her retirement back in May.
Padway started her career as a teacher in Fremont before joining PUSD as a special education specialist in 2014, where she supported students in both elementary and middle school. She then went on to serve as a vice principal at Alisal, Fairlands, Vintage Hills and Donlon elementary schools.
“For more than a decade, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with extraordinary colleagues across the District in a variety of roles,” Padway said in a statement to the Pleasanton Weekly. “I love being an educator and supporting our students. I look forward to building upon the incredible work of our educators at (Vintage Hills) and supporting this wonderful community.”
Alisal and Valley View elementary schools also have different principals this year after the district swapped their leaders’ assignments: Elias Muniz is now at Valley View and Andrea Withers is at Alisal.
Remaining at the school-site level, PUSD saw nine people step into vice principal roles across the district.
Those new vice principals are Linda Boveda, for both Vintage Hills and Fairlands elementary schools; Greg Dankwardt at Harvest Park Middle School; Paul Faris at Foothill High School; Ashley Green, for both Harvest Park and Pleasanton middle schools; Alyson Noble at Amador Valley High School; Michelle Pinney at Hart Middle School; Erica Rich at Donlon Elementary; Maria Yakoub at Amador Valley; and Şenay Yüncüoğlu, the new VP for the district’s adult education program.
In addition to the principal and vice principal turnover, the district welcomed four new directors: Katie Crouse, director of child nutrition services; Sarah Knox, director of secondary education; Kate Nolda, director of special education; and Amy Wallace, director of student services.
Crouse, according to the district, is a registered dietitian with “extensive experience in child nutrition and nutrition management”. She recently served as director of child nutrition services at the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District.
“Katie believes child nutrition is about much more than providing meals – it is about making sure every student has the nourishment, care and support they need to learn, grow and succeed,” according to the district.
Knox, PUSD’s former coordinator of TK-12 curriculum, instruction and assessment, said she is eager to build on last year’s momentum and continue the district’s work to support students. In her 24-year career, Knox served as a high school English teacher, literacy coach, principal and central office director.
“That experience shapes my core focus for PUSD: enhancing curriculum, refining instructional systems, supporting professional learning, and expanding robust college and career pathways so every student is empowered to succeed,” Knox said.
As for Nolda, PUSD stated that she first began her career as a school psychologist in Marin county before switching to special education where she held many roles, including the assistant director of special education position at the San Ramon Valley Unified School District.
“She is eager to continue the incredible work that PUSD has completed to date, particularly around fostering inclusive practices and supporting equitable access for students with special needs,” according to PUSD.
Lastly we have Wallace, a former coordinator of student services who, after 25 years in education and various leadership roles including vice principal and principal across all grade levels, will be leading the student services department at PUSD.
According to the district, Wallace, throughout her career, has “remained committed to fostering student success, supporting staff, and building strong partnerships with families and community partners”.
