FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2024
NUSD Announces New Director of Special Education
(Novato, CA) … The Novato Unified School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Dawn Mawhinney as the next Director of Special Education starting July 1, 2024. Her appointment was approved by the Board of Trustees on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at their regularly scheduled board meeting.
Ms. Mawhinney most recently served as the Director of Educational Services at Sonoma Valley Unified School District. Previously, she worked for Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District for nearly 24 years, serving as a social studies teacher from 1997 to 2013 and assistant principal in 2013-14 at Rancho Cotate High School; principal at Evergreen Elementary School from 2014 to 2016; and principal of Technology High School from 2016 to 2021. She was named the California League of High School’s Educator of the Year in 2004 and was principal of Technology High School when it won a National Blue Ribbon award.
Dawn is known for her experience in producing and supporting change efforts that improve outcomes for students. Her ability to listen to educational partners, provide strong professional development programs and align MTSS practices will be an asset to all students, staff and parents in Special Education and beyond.
Ms. Mawhinney earned her B.A. in Geography from California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt and her M.S. from Dominican University. Dawn is replacing Angela Williams who accepted a position with the North Coast School of Education.
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