Superintendent Search
The Santa Clara Unified School District Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Dr. Damon J. Wright as the new Superintendent of Santa Clara Unified School District. The appointment was made at the Board of Trustees’ regular meeting on April 10, 2025.
As you may be aware, Superintendent Dr. Gary Waddell has announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2025. We are deeply grateful for his dedicated service and expertise in guiding Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD), and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.
The SCUSD Board of Trustees began its search for a new superintendent. To assist us in this critical process, we have partnered with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), a firm specializing in helping school boards identify and select top candidates. HYA is a network of independent education consultants across the nation. This independent network has made HYA the preeminent education consulting firm with over 30 years of executive search and education consulting experience. HYA has helped school boards hire many successful superintendents right here in the Bay Area and Santa Clara County. Since 1987, HYA has provided support for education leaders to employ school executives, address issues related to student performance, and support aspects of school district operations. A contract with HYA was approved at the January 16, 2025 special board meeting.
The superintendent search process included input opportunities, robust community engagement and outreach efforts, intensive and confidential vetting of candidates, and presentation of candidates to the SCUSD Board of Trustees. The process was guided by feedback from all educational partners in our community, including students, families, and staff.
In collaboration with HYA, we conducted a survey to gather input from the broader learning community. Additionally, focus groups and forums—both in-person and remote—were held to ensure that we heard from all stakeholders and collected valuable insights on district priorities. We also sought input on the leadership skills, characteristics, and experiences most essential for the success of SCUSD’s next superintendent.
Information about the timeline, process, job posting, survey, engagement opportunities, and more are posted here. Please check this webpage for ongoing updates and important announcements regarding the superintendent search.
Resources
What’s Happening Now
- The community engagement phase completed on March 5.
- HYA compiled a Leadership Profile Report and presented it to the board on March 13.
- The application deadline was March 17.
- The search culminated in the selection and appointment of our new superintendent.
“The Board of Trustees was committed to identifying a Superintendent who would advance SCUSD’s vision and goals and exemplify our core values. Through extensive community engagement this winter, the board heard and joined the community in its desire for a candidate who would understand the needs of our diverse student population, establish a culture of high expectations for all students and staff, and foster a positive, professional climate of mutual trust and respect. Santa Clara Unified is an exceptional district, attracting a hiring pool of strong candidates. Dr. Wright stood out in interviews for many reasons — most notably his commitment to closing opportunity gaps for our most underserved students, his belief that there is no ceiling for growth in Santa Clara Unified, and his commitment to student and staff wellness, collaborative leadership, and inclusivity. We have every confidence in Dr. Wright and warmly welcome him to SCUSD."
Board president bonnie lieberman