REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Recognition of Superintendent Dr. Gary Waddell in Honor of his Retirement from the Santa Clara Unified School District
Report
BACKGROUND
Dr. Gary Waddell served as the Interim Superintendent of Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD) starting in July 2022 and was later appointed permanent Superintendent in January 2023. Dr. Waddell holds a doctorate in educational leadership in addition to advanced degrees in school administration, school counseling, and drama with over 35 years of service in public schools.
During his tenure at the Santa Clara Unified School District, Dr. Waddell committed to enhancing a shared vision, mission, and establishing core values in service throughout the district among the students and entire Santa Clara community. In addition, Dr. Waddell serves on the City-School Liaison Committee to collaborate and strengthen partnerships with the City of Santa Clara and Santa Clara Unified School District.
Prior to his service in Santa Clara, Dr. Waddell served as Deputy Superintendent of the San Mateo County Office of Education, where he oversaw instructional services, assessment and accountability, early learning, STEAM, and environmental literacy, among other areas. He also served as Associate Superintendent of the Santa Clara County Office of Education, where he led the Equity and Educational Progress Division, overseeing public affairs, media and communication, assessment and accountability, state and federal programs, and inclusion initiatives.
Dr. Waddell’s career has been focused on closing achievement and opportunity gaps through programs of excellence. He is a past Chair of California’s statewide Curriculum and Instruction Steering Committee (CISC), Statewide Arts Committee, and Statewide Mathematics Committee. He has been recognized for many awards including the statewide counselor of the year.
Dr. Waddell’s collaborative leadership style has continually inspired SCUSD staff and the community to rally together to improve student well-being and academic achievement, especially for those who are traditionally underserved.
DISCUSSION
In honor of Dr. Gary Waddell’s retirement from the Santa Clara Unified School District, the City of Santa Clara commends him for his invaluable service to the students of our City and are deeply grateful for his dedicated service and expertise in guiding the Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an informative report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Aimee Escobar, Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Commendation of Dr. Gary Waddell in Honor of His Retirement from the Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD)