Get ready, San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District. A new superintendent has been selected, and he’s ready to lead the district to great heights.
On June 9, after 24 years with the district, including stints as a teacher, school site principal, director of secondary education, director of human resources and chief business officer, Chris Schiermeyer was promoted from his role as deputy superintendent to superintendent, and he says couldn’t be happier.
“SLVUSD is one of the largest employers of the Valley, is family-oriented, and supported by our diverse and dedicated community,” he said. “As a member of this community and having children who attend SLVUSD schools, it is important to maintain the positive relationships and perceptions our community has of the school district. As the leader of the organization, it will be imperative to maintain a transparent and open communication about our excellent programs as well as the necessary adjustments to continue to expand our students’ academic and social experiences while attending our schools.”
Schiermeyer is following in the footsteps of newly-retired Laurie Bruton and former superintendent Julie Haff. In both retirements, a national search organization was tapped to find their replacement. This time, it just so happens that the perfect candidate was literally in their own backyard.
“SLVUSD has had two superintendents in the last 22 years and I will be taking over from two strong individuals who have steered the district through various cycles of education,” Schiermeyer said. “I plan to build on their strengths and continue to navigate the difficult season we have just gone through as families and as a community.”
Schiermeyer has his work cut out for him. The district is not only contending with a return to normalcy following over a year of distance learning, but also mounting allegations against at least seven current or former SLVUSD staff members. No matter the issues being faced, Schiermeyer believes he’s up to the challenge.
“The feedback I have received has been very positive from both staff within the school district and throughout the county,” he said. “As the deputy superintendent and former human resources director, I have been able to establish strong relationships for the last 11 years with staff, community members and county representatives. The Local Control Accountability Plan defines the four goals for the district: Socio-Emotional Learning, Math, Technology/Computer Science, and Environmental Literacy. With the district returning in the fall with in-person learning, balancing the transition back to full-day in-person, the socio-emotional impact of the transition, the academic learning gaps of students, and reconnecting the positive relationships with everyone will also be a priority.”
As teachers, staff and students prepare to return to the classroom in August, Schiermeyer will be at the door, welcoming his team and their charges back for another year of learning and adventure.
“As the first person in my family to attend college, providing educational opportunities, connecting to students, and educating students on the power they have within themselves to achieve their individual goals, is always at the front of decision-making,” he said. “As a principal, during the morning announcement, I would say to the students, Good, Better, Best; never let it rest until your good gets better, and your better is best.”
