This upcoming school year brings new faces to NUSD as well as new assignments for some. Please join me to welcome and congratulate the following:
Jonathan Ferrer, Assistant Superintendent Human Resources. This position became vacant when Kris Cosca was promoted to Superintendent. Jonathan is a highly experienced educator and instructional leader. His most recent employment was at Sonoma Valley Unified School District. Jonathan has served as a Teacher, Assistant Principal, Middle and High School Principal, and Director of Human Resources.
Angela Kreisler, Director Special Education. After a thorough search, Angela was selected to become NUSD’s Special Education Director. For the past four years, Angela was the principal at Rancho Elementary School. With the addition of the Early Intervention (Ready, Set, Grow) Program to Rancho, Angela acclimated both the general education elementary and special education teams to changing systems, logistics and culture. Angela replaces Kelly Johnson who accepted a position at the Marin Office of Education.
Deanna Scott, Assistant Director Special Education. The Board of Trustees approved this position last year at the recommendation from the Special Education audit by School Services of California. This position replaces the position previously held by Karin Jinbo. Deanna comes to NUSD from Fairfield Unified School District. Her experience includes Special Education Director, Assistant Director, School Psychologist, and Special Education Teacher.
Jeff Wallace, Principal Sinaloa Middle School. Jeff returns to NUSD after serving as a teacher with the Nexus program and teacher, coach and athletic director at Novato High School. His experience includes serving as the assistant principal and later principal at John Swett High School. Jeff replaces Jim Larson who accepted the position as Assistant Principal at Novato High School. Jim replaces Christy Stocker who left in December 2018.
Catherine Nam, Principal Rancho Elementary School. Cath has been with NUSD for 12 years, most recently as Coordinator of Teaching & Learning and an Academic Coach. Before moving to the District Office, Cath was a 4th and 5th Grade teacher at Rancho Elementary School for 8 years. Cath replaces Angela Kreisler who became Director of Special Education.
Rhonda Fleming, MTSS Coordinator. The Multi-Tier System of Support (MTSS) Coordinator is a new position in the district replacing the EL Coordinator. Rhonda will be focused on all structural systems of support for all students. Her experience includes both serving as assistant principal and coordinator with Newhaven Unified School District.
Katie Cobb-Van Husen, Prevention Coordinator. This position is fully funded by the Peter J. Haas Jr. Family Fund as part of the Healthy Novato Initiative. Katie’s focus is on social and emotional learning. Her experience includes elementary and middle school principal and coordinator with West Contra Costa Unified School District. Katie replaces the position formerly held by Evie Zuroske.
In addition to these new employees, NUSD has also retained the following:
Dr. Neil Rauschhuber is serving as the Interim Administrator of Operations and will be working part time until a new Director has been named. Most recently, Dr. Rauschhuber was the Chief Operating Officer for Oak Grove School District and for the past 14 years has worked for school districts as a Chief Facilities Bond Officer, Director of Construction and Director of Maintenance, Operations & Transportation. Prior to working in school districts, Dr. Rauschhuber worked for the City of San Jose for 17 years and retired as an Operations Manager in the transportation department.
Sue Brooks is serving as Interim Food and Nutritional Services Director until a new Director has been named. Sue has a distinguished 35 year career in School Nutrition Program Management. She is a Registered Dietitian, has a Masters in Organizational Management and is the former President of the California School Nutrition Association.
(Pictured left to right: Katie Cobb Von-Husen, Rhonda Fleming, Catherine Nam, Kris Cosca, Deanna Scott, Angela Kreisler, Jonathan Ferrer)