EDITOR’S NOTE: The Carlsbad Unified School District Board of Trustees unanimously selected Suzette Lovely to be the new District Superintendent. She replaces John A. Roach, Ed.D., who retired on June 30, 2012. During June, Superintendent Lovely worked closely with Dr. Roach and CUSD's leadership team to ensure a smooth transition.
It is a distinct honor to serve Carlsbad Unified School District (CUSD) and the entire Carlsbad community as your next Superintendent. I've had a whirlwind few weeks preparing for my "official" start date on July 1. It has been amazing getting to know the district's leadership team, touring campuses, meeting staff and students, and learning about Carlsbad, including its vibrant business community.
As a longtime educator, I recognize the value a high-quality education has in attracting and retaining residents and businesses to an area. Despite consecutive years of state budget reductions, CUSD has continued to do an exceptional job providing a world-class education to our future workforce.
I am particularly impressed with the district's College and Career Readiness Program. These efforts will help ensure our graduating seniors meet UC and CSU entrance requirements. Broadening academic pathways broadens students' opportunities to succeed in college, career and life.
Another indicator of the district's success is the Academic Performance Index (API), which is used throughout California to rank student achievement. In 2011, CUSD's API grew to 876 – exceeding the statewide average by 89 points! All CUSD schools have met the state's target of 800, while five schools have scored above 900. Pacific Rim's API of 975 (out of a possible 1,000) is ranked among the highest in San Diego County!
Let's Get to Know Each Other
I look forward to meeting many of you over the coming months. But for now, here is a brief introduction. I began my career in education in 1983 as a classroom teacher in the Capistrano Unified School District, where I served until 2009.
During that 26-year period, I held a variety of leadership roles including principal, director, deputy superintendent of personnel services and also acting superintendent. In 2009, I joined the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District as assistant superintendent of personnel services.
In addition to a bachelor's degree and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, I hold a master's degree in educational administration and am completing my doctorate in educational leadership this summer.
Throughout my career, I have worked to develop strong relationships with employees, parents, city officials, law enforcement and business organizations. One of the things that drew me to Carlsbad is the reputation of collaboration between the district and its varied stakeholder groups, including the Chamber of Commerce, site PTAs, the Carlsbad Educational Foundation and the grassroots Carlsbad Unified Parent and Community Task Force.
Every school district in California is made up of a network of people, places and perspectives that give rise to its character and vibrancy. Not only do these networks paint a picture of the workplace, they portray how the greater community supports this workplace. Sustainable networks do not emerge from a single strategy or perspective. They come from an intertwined support system that joins together to produce good outcomes.
As Carlsbad Unified School District's next leader, I look forward to working in tandem with the Board of Trustees to be gatekeeper of these partnerships. In turn, our District will continue to promote amazing outcomes for our 11,000 students. Thank you for your support in this exciting endeavor!
It is a distinct honor to serve Carlsbad Unified School District (CUSD) and the entire Carlsbad community as your next Superintendent. I've had a whirlwind few weeks preparing for my "official" start date on July 1. It has been amazing getting to know the district's leadership team, touring campuses, meeting staff and students, and learning about Carlsbad, including its vibrant business community.
As a longtime educator, I recognize the value a high-quality education has in attracting and retaining residents and businesses to an area. Despite consecutive years of state budget reductions, CUSD has continued to do an exceptional job providing a world-class education to our future workforce.
I am particularly impressed with the district's College and Career Readiness Program. These efforts will help ensure our graduating seniors meet UC and CSU entrance requirements. Broadening academic pathways broadens students' opportunities to succeed in college, career and life.
Another indicator of the district's success is the Academic Performance Index (API), which is used throughout California to rank student achievement. In 2011, CUSD's API grew to 876 – exceeding the statewide average by 89 points! All CUSD schools have met the state's target of 800, while five schools have scored above 900. Pacific Rim's API of 975 (out of a possible 1,000) is ranked among the highest in San Diego County!
Let's Get to Know Each Other
I look forward to meeting many of you over the coming months. But for now, here is a brief introduction. I began my career in education in 1983 as a classroom teacher in the Capistrano Unified School District, where I served until 2009.
During that 26-year period, I held a variety of leadership roles including principal, director, deputy superintendent of personnel services and also acting superintendent. In 2009, I joined the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District as assistant superintendent of personnel services.
In addition to a bachelor's degree and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, I hold a master's degree in educational administration and am completing my doctorate in educational leadership this summer.
Throughout my career, I have worked to develop strong relationships with employees, parents, city officials, law enforcement and business organizations. One of the things that drew me to Carlsbad is the reputation of collaboration between the district and its varied stakeholder groups, including the Chamber of Commerce, site PTAs, the Carlsbad Educational Foundation and the grassroots Carlsbad Unified Parent and Community Task Force.
Every school district in California is made up of a network of people, places and perspectives that give rise to its character and vibrancy. Not only do these networks paint a picture of the workplace, they portray how the greater community supports this workplace. Sustainable networks do not emerge from a single strategy or perspective. They come from an intertwined support system that joins together to produce good outcomes.
As Carlsbad Unified School District's next leader, I look forward to working in tandem with the Board of Trustees to be gatekeeper of these partnerships. In turn, our District will continue to promote amazing outcomes for our 11,000 students. Thank you for your support in this exciting endeavor!