Welcome to Santa Clara Dr. Damon Wright, the new Superintendent of the Santa Clara Unified School District. The Board of Trustees announced and approved the hiring of Dr. Wright on Thursday, April 10, and his work is scheduled to begin on July 1.
Dr. Wright has over 25 years of experience and is currently the Superintendent of Schools for the Benicia Unified School District. He began his career supporting elementary students as a guidance assistant, later serving as a school counselor and school psychologist before racking up an impressive resume with many accomplishments in a variety of roles.
“I’m excited to join this team of brilliant educators, students, passionate and engaged community members,” said Dr. Wright. “You’ve built something special here and I can’t wait to be a part of it. Through my research one thing stands out: Santa Clara Unified School District has no ceiling, and to those that believe that there is a ceiling, be prepared to break through it. Our students get one opportunity to experience and prepare for life after they complete our program and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their experience is meaningful. Students first, always.”
Current Superintendent Dr. Gary Waddell announced his retirement in November 2024 and the search for his replacement began in January when the Board brought on executive search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA). Over the past few months, they gathered input through focus groups, interviews, and a survey. They created a leadership profile which was used to recruit over 75 potential candidates. They had 42 applicants and after review and interviews with HYA, seven made it to in-person interviews and data analysis. The top three came in for a final interview and the Board enthusiastically picked Dr. Wright.
The Board Members were very impressed with Dr. Wright but were also sad to see Dr. Waddell retire.
“We will miss Gary of course. We love Gary. But I have no doubt in my mind, [Dr. Wright is going to] build a legacy,” said Board Vice President Jim Canova who has been on the Board for years and has seen many superintendents come and go.
According to the Employment Agreement, Dr. Wright has a four-year contract, from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2029. Dr. Waddell still has the reins until June.
“We are fortunate indeed to welcome a new Superintendent of Dr. Wright’s caliber to the SCUSD family who I know will continue to lead the district with a focus on excellence and well-being for all students, empathy and respect, equity, and partnership,” said Dr. Waddell in a press release. “It is a pleasure to hand the reins to a leader with Dr. Wright’s reputation and expertise. I know great things are in store for Santa Clara Unified School District!”
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Benicia School District is currently facing two lawsuits from multiple victims of alleged sexual abuse by a teacher; Damon Wright was superintendent of Benicia when the charges against the teacher, and charges of negligence against the school district, were filed. Is that why he was looking to jump ship from Benicia, and found a new post at SCUSD?
How will he handle the lawsuit(s) now facing SCUSD? And how will he handle the latest 27-page federal complaint against SCUSD for "pervasive discrimination and bias against Jewish students," who were "subjected to unconscionable levels of antisemitic bullying in and outside of the classroom"?
Dr. Wright alright first choice to be selected Superintendent? How are you going to improve rotten disunity of SCUSD? Curriculum student violence over crowded K-12 there plenty of revenue along. Grants various levels to obtain improved the social decay of SCUSD! Dr. Wright how about student flight majority parents preference "Charter Schools" linger. Antics of SCUSD facilities old buildings shall build new High schools need. For 3 more? Along improvement for impaired students Dr. Wright alright for this positions hired for bureaucracy or Token factor? Yes person whom inept I don't feel assured by you! Gangs whom harassing staff along fellow students e learning going to improve. Curriculum making students become interested pursuing academic goals, Solano county. No equivalent to SCUSD awaiting immediate progress of tenure as Superintendent Dr.Wright?