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...
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