Dr. Michelle Rodriguez was selected from an outstanding field of candidates.
The Board conducted a site visit with other members of the Pajaro Valley community to SAUSD on Tuesday, August 9, 2016. The visiting group consisted of Leticia Oropeza, California School Employees Association (CSEA) President, Sarah Henne, Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers (PVFT) Negotiations Team, Susan Perez, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Erica Padilla-Chavez, CEO Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, Board members Willie Yahiro and Dr. Lupe Rivas and Vice President Leslie DeRose. After the successful site validation visit the board of trustees voted to offer the position of Superintendent to Dr. Michelle Rodriguez at its August 10 meeting.
PVUSD Board President Maria Orozco stated: “Dr. Rodriguez possesses the qualities to meet the unique challenges facing our district. With a strong background in instructional and administrative leadership, Dr. Rodriguez is committed to the academic achievement and success of every student across the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. She will be a highly visible Superintendent who will cultivate strong ties with our students, parents, teachers, staff and the larger community. As a board, we are confident we have selected the right person to continue to move our district forward.”
Dr. Rodriguez is an innovative leader who believes in building strong relationships anchored with a singular focus on student learning. She has been the catalyst for educational reforms at Santa Ana Unified that has led to national recognition and positive impact on the lives of thousands of students ranging from preschool to early college. The Board found Dr. Rodriguez to be the best overall candidate in all areas of school district leadership including curriculum and instruction, budget development, fiscal oversight, facilities improvement, and human resources. She is well known and respected as a student-centered leader who is highly visible, approachable, and accessible. The Board looks forward to her joining the Pajaro Valley Unified family as their new Superintendent.
Dr. Rodriguez added: “I wish to thank the Board of Education for entrusting me to be their next Superintendent. My personal and professional life has been dedicated to ensuring equity, access and success for students, their parents, and the communities in which they live. I look forward to building off of the successes and accomplishments of Pajaro Valley Unified through a shared vision and sense of purpose. I look forward to visiting each school and department within my first three months and becoming part of the fabric of the community.”
Dr. Rodriguez has a B.A. in Liberal Studies and Spanish, M.A. in Elementary Reading and Literacy, and Doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California. She started her career as a dual immersion teacher followed by a reading recovery teacher, literacy coach, and staff developer. She also served as the principal at both Live Oak Elementary and Harvest Valley School in Southern California before she was selected as Director of Student Achievement with Santa Ana Unified. Since 2013, Dr. Rodriguez has served as the Assistant Superintendent, K-12 Teaching and Learning, of the SAUSD where she oversees all aspects of the K-12 instructional programs including English Learners, 21st Century Learning, and Career Technical Education.
Apart from being a passionate educator, Michelle is a loving wife and mother. Her husband Juan is in restaurant management with Red Lobster. Her son Daniel is a junior in high school and a scholar athlete aspiring to play D1 football.
The community will have the opportunity to meet and greet Dr. Rodriguez on her scheduled start date of August 29, from 3:30 to 5:30, in the Human Resources Conference Room.
For additional information, please contact PVUSD Board President Maria Orozco at maria_orozco@pvusd.net.