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Superintendent Search

Students searching for a new superintendent with their binoculars.

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 has begun 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 will include input opportunities, robust community engagement and outreach efforts, intensive and confidential vetting of candidates, and presentation of candidates to the SCUSD Board of Trustee. The process will be guided by feedback from all educational partners in our community, including students, families, and staff.

In collaboration with HYA, we will be conducting a survey to gather input from the broader learning community. Additionally, focus groups and forums—both in-person and remote—will be held to ensure that we hear from all stakeholders and collect valuable insights on district priorities. We will also seek 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 will be posted here. Please check this webpage for ongoing updates and important announcements regarding the superintendent search. 

 

What’s Happening Now

  1. The board will hold a planning meeting with HYA associates on February 11 to outline the process, timeline, focus groups, and survey parameters.
  2. The search will culminate in the selection and appointment of our new superintendent before the end of the school year.

 

Are you our future superintendent?

APPLY NOW

 

Timeline

TIME WHAT'S HAPPENING
January 16, 2025 The Board of Trustees interviewed three executive search firms and hired HYA. 
February 11, 2025 HYA meeting with the board to outline the process, timeline, focus groups, and survey parameters.
Mid-February to Early March Community engagement phase.
Date coming soon! HYA presents the Leadership Profile Report describing what they learned during the community engagement phase. The board uses this information to define the desired characteristics that they are seeking in the next superintendent.
Date coming soon! HYA consultants recruit and vet candidates who either applied independently or were recommended for the position. 
Date coming soon! Application deadline
Date coming soon! Interviews
Date coming soon! Candidate selection, due diligence, contract negotiations
July 1, 2025 Start date for new superintendent

 

Contacts

Valerie Pitts, Ed.D.
Lead Associate
valeriepitts@hyasearch.com
831-332-5126

Diane Siri, Ed.D.
Isis1996@aol.com
dianesiri@hyasearch.com
831-818-5553

Julie Haff
Haff.julie@gmail.com
408-888-8817