Novato, CA…The Novato Unified School District is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Assistant Superintendent, Business & Operations, and a new Principal at Olive Elementary School pending Board approval on April 20, 2021.

Lois Standring has been appointed Assistant Superintendent, Business & Operations effective June 1, 2021. Ms. Standring comes to NUSD from the Windsor Unified School District where she served as the Chief Business Officer since 2014. She also served as the Chief Business Officer at Cloverdale Unified School District before joining Windsor Unified. She received her B.S. degree from Mills College, Accounting Certificate (B.S.) from Golden Gate University, a USC Rossier School of Business Management Certificate, and completed the Chief Business Officer training with California Association of School Business Officers (CASBO) and Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT).

Ms. Standring brings her expertise in presenting accurate financial information, maintaining fiscal solvency, and developing relationships with community members and stakeholders to NUSD.  She replaces Yancy Hawkins who accepted a position at San Mateo Union Unified High School District.

“I’m excited to join the NUSD community and look forward to becoming part of the leadership team tasked with moving the District ahead.  I plan to spend the first weeks in the position getting to know my fellow employees and learning about the unique qualities of NUSD,” commented Ms. Standring.

Superintendent Kris Cosca added, “I’m thrilled to welcome these experienced leaders to NUSD.  I believe the personalities, skill sets, and experience of these leaders will allow them to immediately positively impact the NUSD community and we could not be happier to have them join our team.”

Lori Nuño has been appointed Principal of Olive Elementary School effective July 1, 2021.   Ms. Nuño currently serves as the Assistant Principal at Rancho Milpitas Middle School.  She has previously served as the Assistant Principal at Rose Elementary School, District Elementary Summer School Principal, 7th grade CORE teacher and 5th grade teacher.  She received her M.S. in Education Administration from Santa Clara University, Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University and B.A. from California State University Sacramento.

Ms. Nuño values building positive relationships with students, families, and staff through trust, open communication, and follow through. Her ability to listen constructively has enabled her to build those positive relationships which have helped her to become an effective leader.  She replaces Elizabeth Sesma-Olinyk who is retiring in June 2021.

“I am excited to join the Novato Unified School District and look forward to serving the students and families of Olive Elementary. A child’s elementary experience is important in determining a child’s attitude toward school and it is my hope that our Olive students enter middle school with a curious mind, a creative soul, and a determination to make their community a better place for all. As a parent whose daughter will grow up attending NUSD schools, my work in building a kind, accepting, and safe community for our students is a top priority. I eagerly anticipate meeting the staff, students and families of Olive Elementary and am pleased to join the Novato community,” commented Ms. Nuño.

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Photos:  Lois Standring, Lori Nuño