Analy is losing three of its top leaders
Principal Shauna Ferdinandson and two Vice Principals are leaving; SUSD promotes from within.
Wednesday’s West Sonoma County Union High School District board meeting began unexpectedly with several staff and faculty members speaking up to express their concerns about the news that Analy was losing three top leaders at the end of the school year. All three leaders are women and they have accepted positions at other districts in Sonoma County.
Analy Principal Shauna Ferdinandson has told the faculty that she is leaving. Ferdinandson has worked for the District since 2000, starting as an English teacher. She left in 2014 to work at Maria Carrillo High School before returning in 2016 as Vice Principal and was appointed Principal in 2019. In April 2021, Ferndinandson was named the Principal of the consolidated West Sonoma County High School.
Erin Elliot, a Vice Principal since 2019, is reportedly leaving for a job in the Twin Hill District.
Rachel Lasek, Vice Principal since 2021, is leaving for Sebastopol Union School District where she will be Vice Principal and Curriculum Director.
At the board meeting, several of the staff emphasized that these leaders had helped Analy and its students get through a strike, multiple fires, consolidation of Analy and El Molino, several school name changes as well as Covid. They felt that the school had seen big improvements over the last two years because of these leaders.
Lucia Garcia, a counselor at Analy, said that the school was “making great strides” under the current leadership. She asked the Board the question: “how do they expect to fill their shoes?” She had moved to the District so that her own children could go to the school but she said: “I’m having doubts.”
Rebecca Davenport, a Math teacher in her fourth year at Analy, said that Shauna Ferdinandson was “a sage and experienced leader.” She asked: “Why is this happening?”
Emily Lokka, a CTE teacher, wanted the Board to know how “upsetting” it is that these three leaders are leaving. “It’s a big hit,” she said. She said the board should ask themselves why this is happening. “A lot of you don’t know what we do,” she said to the District Board.
The board did not respond directly to the public comments. The departures were not on the board agenda so it was not discussed by them, although there were a few brief remarks made by board members. They acknowledged the situation and stated their own commitment to the school and promised an inclusive process for selecting new leadership. Superintendent Chris Meredith, who in his first year leading the District, said that news of the departures was circulating internally but formal letters of resignation had not yet been received by the District.
The departures were clearly unexpected, coming one year after the District had fired one superintendent and then went through two interim superintendents before the spring semester ended. Meredith started in July of 2022. Three new school board trustees were elected in the Fall. The 2022-2023 school year has been generally regarded by faculty and staff as having been a year that produced positive changes in student morale and campus culture.
In a followup request for comment, WSCUSD Board President Julie Aiello wrote in email:
“We are deeply grateful for their tireless effort and energy they have given to our entire school community. We appreciate their leadership implementing the positive improvements that are happening at our high schools. It is our intention to continue this positive trajectory with improved communication and inclusion. We are developing new programs, increasing student and family engagement, and renewing community support for our schools. We wish these educators all the best in their new endeavors. We believe they will continue to serve students with grace and integrity. Leadership changes can be challenging and unsettling. I want to assure our school community that we will manage these transitions with a commitment to protect the wonderful educational climate that exists, and continues to grow, at our schools.”
A long-time teacher said in email that the current leaders “were truly the best admin team many of us have ever worked for.”
Promotions at Sebastopol Union
The Sebastopol Union Board of Trustees announced changes in leadership at its April 13th Board meeting that “ensure continuity”. Linda Irving, the Superintendent / Principal at Park Side for ten years, is retiring July 1, 2023. Two of the announced changes are promotions from within the District.
Sara Gramm, who has been serving as Principal at Brook Haven and Assistant Superintendent, has been appointed Superintendent of the District. She will retain her Principal position at Brook Haven.
Molly Bulwa, currently Vice Principal at Park Side, was appointed the Principal of Park Side school.
Rachel Lasek, who has been a Vice Principal at Analy, has been hired as Vice Principal and Curriculum Director with responsibilities at both Park Side and Brook Haven.
“We, as a Board, are extraordinarily grateful for the leadership of Linda (Irving) over the past ten years,” wrote Board President Deborah Dremel in email. “Linda's decades of Superintendent experience has been invaluable in reshaping our schools. Among her many accomplishments has been the development of a skilled, caring, and cohesive staff and an incredibly strong leadership team.” Dremel said there’s “a vibrancy and positive spirit” at both Park Side and Brook Haven. “We're extraordinarily fortunate that Sara (Gramm) is ready and willing to take on the job of Superintendent/Brook Haven Principal and that Molly (Bulwa) will be Park Side Principal,” she added. “Rachel Lasek will round out the new administrative team as Vice-Principal.” Rachel is an SUSD Alumna.
“We believe the stability in leadership allows us to continue to build on all of the positive gains,” wrote Dremel.