Dear Novato Community,

We have good news!  I was delighted to reinstate 8 teachers from Lynwood School last week who had been given layoff notices.  We were able to implement the skipping criteria approved by Trustees in January 2022 for the Lynwood bilingual teachers.  We appreciate your response to the “Intent to Return” forms that schools are distributing to NUSD families.  The information from these forms allows us to secure enrollment numbers so we can determine enrollment and staffing alignment for next year. Thank you for your help on this.

New hires have begun to replace positions that are currently being filled by temporary staff and were frozen earlier this year.  These positions will directly support students and programs.

Hamilton Principal – Stefanie Parnell

She is currently serving as the Interim Principal at Hamilton for the 2021-2022 school year.  Stefanie served as Assistant Principal at Hamilton for 8 years and previously taught math at Sinaloa Middle School and Hill Middle School. She replaces Principal Steve Hospodar who resigned in August 2021.

NHS Assistant Principal – Allie Greene

Allie comes to NUSD from the West Sonoma County Continuation School where she served as Principal for two years.  She previously was a Vice Principal at Santa Rosa High School and Assistant Principal at Terra Linda High School. Allie replaces Greg Fister who resigned in January 2022. She lives in Novato with her family and her children attend NUSD schools.

Director of Human Resources – Francesca Whitcomb

She has been serving as the Human Resources Manager at Healdsburg Unified School District for the past seven years and previously worked in Human Resources at San Rafael City Schools and the Novato Unified School District. Francesca replaces Jonathan Ferrer who resigned in June 2021.

Director of Student Services – Mike Saisi

Mike has been the Assistant Principal at Sinaloa Middle School and Hill Middle School.  He began his career at NUSD teaching math at Hill Middle School.  This position is being reinstated after eliminating two positions in Education Services, the Director of Student Success and the Assistant Director of Special Education.

Wellness Specialist – Anna McGee

Anna will be coordinating NUSD’s mental health services, and the position is supported by categorical funds (restricted).  Anna joined NUSD as a counselor at Adult Education and has been a counselor at Novato High School since 2018.  She was previously a high school counselor at the Madrone Continuation High School and San Ramon Valley Unified School district.

Secondary Special Education Coordinator – Kevin Goyer

Kevin is currently the Special Education Coordinator for the San Mateo Union High School District.  This position is currently filled by retiree April Port who has served throughout the school year. Kevin is a Novato resident and was a resource specialist at San Marin High School.

Middle and High School Counselors – Zyna Orong

Zyna is filling the first of four openings for middle and high school counselors.  She is currently an academic counselor in Maui, Hawaii.  Once all positions are filled, school assignments will be announced.

The Open Houses, Showcases, and student events have been so enjoyable and rewarding! These events highlight learning, integrated instruction, and celebrate the arts and athletics.  Teaching and learning are taking shape as we once knew, and each is becoming a reality even with the COVID challenges. Kudos to every classified, certificated, and administrative staff who work with children each and every day to make learning come alive. I thank you for your incredible efforts to normalize learning as we know it is essential for our students.

Spring Events

Several events have already begun to fill our calendars, youth sports, performing arts, special events and open house to name a few!   There are a few events that I would like to highlight.

April 9, 9-3 pm                        

Rotary Day of Service – Protecting the Environment-Hands on Environmental Projects/Climate Solutions-Marin Center Lagoon

April 13- May 4, 6-9 pm                  

NUSD Parcel Tax Blue Ribbon Committee to discuss the future of local funding for education in Novato. Meetings are April 13, April 20, April 27, and May 4. Please join by registering at here.

April 20 @3 pm, April 21 @6 pm, April 22 @6 pm, April 22 @11 am                                

Lion King, San Jose Middle School Drama Students, Novato High School Center for the Arts

April 23, 11 am-2 pm

School Fuel Tour of Novato – Marin MOCA located in Hamilton

April 23, 5:30 pm

MSA Showcase 2022 – Osher Marin JCC – San Rafael

April 22-24 and April 29 and 30, 7:30 pm, April 24 and May 1, 2 pm

Guys and Dolls – San Marin High School Emily Gates Performing Arts Center

April 27, 3:30pm        

Dr. Anthony Muhammad presents an NUSD Equity Audit Overview for the community and staff.  This will be held at the Novato High School Center for the Arts

May 13-15, 7 pm

Clue – San Marin High School Drama Students

Have a wonderful spring break!

Jan La Torre-Derby, Ed.D.
Superintendent