OCHO

Leadership matters. Each year, ACSA members single out peers and coworkers, community partners and students for special recognition. All of the honorees have demonstrated exceptional leadership traits. Each has made uniquely valuable contributions to improving the education systems in our region and beyond. Below are a few notes about each of the individuals recognized by Region 8 this year. We do not pretend to condense the great work of this year’s award recipients into a brief paragraph - impossible! Rather, we hope that this special edition of OCHO will give you a peak into the great work they all do every day. May their example inspire each of us to grow as leaders ourselves. Congratulations to all!

As Principal of the Indigo Program, a parent participation elementary school in the Oak Grove School District, Genvieve Dorsey is a highly valued site administrator and a worthy recipient of the Elementary School Principal of the Year award. Genvieve models collaborative leadership. She has established a strong leadership team and uses a shared leadership model getting input from all stakeholders when making decisions. She has established Professional Learning Committees for each grade-level and facilitates improvement efforts that impact all areas of instruction. Genvieve has been a key player in the formation of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging committee (DEIB) at the district level and models the work at her school site. Her work with the DEIB committees has transformed the school and classroom culture at Indigo. Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Amy Boles says of Genvieve, “Dr. Dorsey excels at holding equity as a guiding light in her leadership and has been an instrumental advocate in the implementation of ethnic studies in Oak Grove.” Superintendent José Manzo says simply, “Genvieve is a natural leader. She is creative, compassionate, and a skilled facilitator which is crucial to organizing and aligning the voices and vision of her school community. Time to celebrate Genvieve Dorsey! Congratulations!

Brandi McMillan is serving in her fourth year as the Assistant Principal at Burnett Elementary School in the Milpitas Unified School District. Having been a teacher and an instructional coach, Ms. McMillan is a skilled instructional leader. In her nomination packet she is praised as being data driven, incredibly organized, and a stellar systems thinker. Dr. Hanna Asrat, the Burnett principal states, “Ms. McMillan is the most talented assistant principal I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She has a big heart and is committed to ensuring that all students have access to high quality instruction. Ms. McMillan is a model of what equity-focused leadership looks like.” Milpitas Superintendent Cheryl Jordan writes, “Assistant Principal McMillan is truly a servant leader who recognizes every person’s gift, she strives to build capacity in each in order to strengthen the whole team.” Congratulations Brandi McMillan, a bright light at Burnett!

With over 30 years of service in Oak Grove, Christy Flores has done it all. She has excelled as a teacher, district coach, assistant principal, elementary school principal, and now she is thriving as the principal at Herman Intermediate School and the AdVENTURE STEMs Program. She has served on numerous important district level committees and has been the driving force behind many innovative programs including opening an award winning two-way bilingual program, aggressively promoting an ethnic studies program and advancing initiatives to make schools safe and welcoming places for every student. Assistant Superintendent Amy Boles writes, “Ms. Flores thinks quickly on her feet and has a strong grasp of organizational processes. But additionally, she is kind, extremely big-hearted and willing to help when needed.” In another letter recommending Ms. Flores for recognition, Dr. Genevieve Dorsey shares, “Christy wants students to feel seen and known by her. In her school of about 800 students, she can name and tell you something about 99% of them, if not 100%. Her work with students and families is inspirational and transformative.” What an exemplary administrator! Congratulations!

Tanya De La Cruz, the accomplished Public Information and Engagement Officer in Los Gatos-Saratoga, is a worthy recipient of the 2024 Region 8, Classified Leader of the Year. Her talent is evident in the high quality of her work that is in so many ways the public face of her district. She is responsible for the redesigned district webpage and is the originator of the monthly Community District Newsletter that reaches all district stakeholders. Her commitment to the students shines in her insistence that student writers share their unique voices in district communications. Ms. De La Cruz is an impressive writer herself and authored a thought-provoking article for the ACSA October 2023 Women in Leadership issue titled, I’m Fine, Everything is Fine: Confessions of a recovering imposter syndrome leader in education. Los Gatos-Saratoga Superintendent Bill Sanderson appreciates the rare abilities that Ms. De La Cruz brings to the position, “Tanya actively advocates for equity among students and staff, consistently shining a spotlight on underrepresented populations. Her dedication to inclusivity and diversity has been a driving force behind many positive changes. Her ethics, dedication, and collaborative style make her an exceptional leader and an asset to our district.” Tanya De La Cruz is a Region 8 star! Congratulations!

“When I think of about an individual who truly exemplifies what it means to perform at a very high level, has an exceptional work ethic, and who consistently exhibits stellar customer service and even sacrifices time off to help others - I think of Natalie Martinez.” That is the bold declaration of Alvaro Mesa, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services in Gilroy Unified. Natalie has her hands in dozens of things at any one time. Some of the initiatives that she has taken on include maintaining and updating content on all school and district office websites, overseeing a complete overhaul of the inter-district transfer process, helping create the Parent Bootcamp, an annual event designed to orient parents to the ins and outs of volunteering on a school campus. Paul Winslow, Assistant Superintendent of HR says of Natalie’s value to the district, “Ms. Martinez’s sense of ownership is her greatest characteristic and is key to her effectiveness as a confidential employee. She doesn’t see any duties assigned as duties, but rather she approaches her work with determination and a constant focus on how to improve, enhance and streamline systems that she oversees.” Congratulations to Natalie Martinez! Your work makes a difference for students and families every day!

Michael Vogel’s work in the Special Education department in Campbell Union School District makes a difference for kids and staff every day. As Program Coordinator, he has played a key role in rewriting the department’s mission and vision statements. He has been instrumental in addressing the challenge of recruitment and retention of high-quality staff, and he has fostered strong working relationships with school site leadership around the district. He was a key player in developing procedural handbooks and an internal department website for Special Education staff. Michael’s influence has been particularly important in his work with the Extensive Support Needs classrooms where his leadership has fostered a data-centered approach to creating high quality learning environments. Program Coordinator Stephanie Cima writes, “At his core, Michael is a genuinely good person who is committed to leaving things better than he found them. He is a dedicated, compassionate professional who possesses expertise across a broad spectrum including leadership, pedagogy, and special education law.” Special Education Director Heather Wellendorf praises Michael’s contribution, “What distinguishes Michael is his authoritative yet supportive approach, prioritizing the best interest of the child while maintaining kindness and empathy towards all team members. Hats off to a great leader! Congratulations Michael Vogel!

Student Services professionals have an incredibly broad range of responsibilities and Yvonne Sugimura manages them all with passion and professionalism. She has been instrumental in a long list of improvement initiatives in Milpitas - strengthening the enrollment process, implementing the Extended Learning Opportunities Program, addressing the post-COVID challenge of chronic absenteeism, refining the SST systems, rolling out the California Community Schools Program planning grant, and so much more. Director of Secondary Education in Milpitas, Maurissa Koide shares, “Yvonne is more than just a great administrator; she is a mentor, leader, friend, counselor, teacher, and believer in the incredible power of the human spirit.” Ms. Sugimura brings a talent for communication to the complicated Student Services world. As Mary Jude Doerpinghaus, Executive Director of Inclusive Services for All Students, explains, “While gentle in her tone, she speaks her mind when it comes to doing what is right for students. She has a calm presence about her and she connects with all stakeholders, is able to navigate difficult conversations and solves challenges with creativity, teamwork, and poise.” Three cheers for Yvonne! What an inspiration!

Coordinator of Early Childhood Education and Family Engagement, Dr. Vanessa Espitia, is an exemplary honoree for Central Office Administrator of the Year. 2023 California Superintendent of the Year, Cheryl Jordan states simply, “I am in awe of the way Dr. Espitia touches people with her frank curiosity and mindset of possibility. An educational leader should be someone who is compelling, compassionate and genuine in their approach to systemic transformation that supports all learners. Vanessa Espitia is such a leader.” Having been raised in Milpitas, attended Milpitas schools, taught in Milpitas schools and served as both a site and district office administrator, Dr. Espitia has demonstrated her commitment to her community. In her current role she has worked tirelessly to expand and improve the district preschool programs especially in the service of socio-economically disadvantaged families and of students with disabilities. Mary Jude Doerpinghaus, the Executive Director of Inclusive Services in Milpitas writes, “Her ideas and theories are rooted in a strong, student-centered learning pedagogy with a robust focus on equity, advocacy, and positive learning outcomes for all learners. The transformations we have made in our preschool program, are greatly due to Dr. Espitia’s leadership.” Early Childhood education is in good hands in Milpitas! Congratulations Vanesa Espitia!

The 2024 Region 8 Curriculum and Instruction Administrator of the Year is Destiny Ortega of the Moreland School District. Ms. Ortega began as a classroom teacher in the district in 2000 and has worked her way through the principalship, and the Director of Student Services position, to now serving in her ninth year as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services. Over the years she has championed many key initiatives that have brought high quality professional development to Moreland teachers and administrators in many areas such as ELD, data analysis, SEL, guided reading, and feedback strategies. Moreland Superintendent, Clove Codd, knows how fortunate she is to have Ms. Ortega on her team, “Whatever she takes on, Destiny demonstrates high levels of preparation and competence. She has a vast breadth of knowledge and is eager to learn herself. She is intuitive, strategic, reliable, diplomatic and looks for win-win solutions to complex problems.” HR Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Jennifer Baldwin, writes in nominating Ms. Ortega, “Destiny’s true strength lies in her meticulous planning of programs, where she anticipates potential challenges and formulates proactive solutions. Her approach empowers site leaders with a remarkable degree of independence and flexibility allowing them to address specific school site needs while aligning seamlessly with the overarching goals of the strategic plan and LCAP.” Congratulations Destiny! You have earned this moment in the spotlight with your exemplary work!

Stacy Joslin has admirably carried out a variety of roles in her 32 years serving in public education. She has served the children of Region 8 as a teacher, an early childhood special education supervisor, a successful principal in three different districts, and now as a Director of Human Resources in Santa Clara Unified School district. She works diligently to celebrate the success of classified and certificated employees and has been the force behind strengthening the pool of substitute teachers in Santa Clara. Stacy is an exemplary lifelong learner and takes advantage of every opportunity to improve her practice. She has attended the ACSA Personnel Institute for the past six years. Assistant Superintendent of HR, José Gonzalez, says, “Stacy is a highly motivated learner whose love of life-long learning is a model for us all. She continually stretches herself to develop and maintain her leadership skills and takes every opportunity to grow professionally. She approaches her role as an educator with passion, humor and a sense of equity.” We can all learn from HR Administrator Stacy Joslin, a star in Region 8!

Juan Cruz has been serving students in Region 8 for 30 years. In every position he has held, he has been a fierce advocate for equitable educational systems in our county. He has brought this passion and commitment to his work in Franklin-McKinley where he is in his ninth year at the helm. Gilroy Superintendent, Anisha Munshi says, “In an educational landscape that is diverse and dynamic, Juan has consistently championed initiatives that prioritize fairness and equal opportunities for all students.” His vision for high quality education is translated into action in FMSD where he has demonstrated a commitment to English Language Development, to Social Emotional Learning, to the full implementation of a tight MTSS system, and to a district-wide focus on Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Assistant Superintendent Jason Vann says this about his Superintendent: “His dedication, knowledge, networking prowess and resilience during the pandemic underscore his exceptional capabilities as an educational leader.” Congratulations Juan Cruz, Region 8 Superintendent of the year! What a powerful force for good!

Dr. Hedwig Rucker retired from the Evergreen School District in 2015, but her work as an advocate for best practices in public education has barely slowed down in the years since. Dr. Rucker followed up her distinguished career in education by quickly jumping into being an instructor in the Santa Clara County Office of Education’s Administrative Credential program and by taking on the role of mentor and coach to newly minted administrators in the clear credential program. Additionally, Dr. Rucker took on leadership roles in the Region 8 Retiree charter and gracefully guided the charter as its President-elect and President during the Zoom-dominated COVID years. In her retirement she has supported the East San Jose Kiwanis Turnaround Scholarship Program, has become an active member of the Tabia African-American Theatre ensemble, and has just authored her first children’s story that will go to print this June. Retired Superintendent, Will Ector, who hired a young Hedwig Rucker for a classroom teaching position in Evergreen a few years (or decades) ago says of her energy and dedication, “Dr. Rucker has been an equity and inclusion warrior long before the formality of the concept.” What a mentor for all of us! Let’s hear it for Retired Administrator of the Year, Dr. Hedwig Rucker!

Megan Pohlman, has been a game changing administrator in her time as Director of Equity in the Mountain View Whisman School District. She has been a key player in several important initiatives. #BetterTogether, a culture and climate program that has been embedded into practice at all district schools, was created by Megan in response to identified needs. When facing hate-fueled vandalism at some schools, Megan worked with the school board to implement the United Against Hate initiative that promotes taking a strong stand for good in our society. Megan also founded the powerful and productive District Equity Advisory Committee to identify and address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion impacting schools. Additionally, she gracefully managed the challenging process of involving all stakeholders in renaming one of the district schools. Chief Business Officer, Rebecca Westover, shared in the application for this recognition, “For Megan, being a Director of Equity goes far above and beyond facilitating culture and climate transformation in schools. She is always thinking about how our schools are serving students academically.” Megan’s ACSA mentor, Olga de Santa Anna states, “Megan is a servant leader. She is someone who has not lost faith in the goodwill of others nor has become disillusioned with the state of the world, but rather sees a better future for kids, despite the obstacles.” Region 8 is so fortunate to have a leader like Megan Pohlman.

Each year State ACSA recognizes an educational leader who models the vision of the revered Oakland Superintendent from the 1970’s, Marcus Foster, who took risks to improve educational opportunities. Region 8 is proud to nominate Dr. Imee Almazan for this recognition. Like Marcus Foster, Dr. Almazan, Director of Student Services in Alum Rock, has a vision that is inclusive, collaborative, and creative. This spring she will be serving as the interim Superintendent in Alum Rock. In 2021 the SEL department was conceptualized, implemented, and led by Dr. Almazan. As the founding director, she developed an infrastructure that focused on the whole child and whole family. She has been instrumental in doubling the number of counselors in Alum Rock schools and is the driving force behind the development of the Community Schools Program in the district. Dr. Annya Artigas states, “Her approach is one of humility and curiosity, and is driven by the belief that ever person has something to contribute, not dictated by title or hierarchy. Through her courage to be creative and innovate, we now have a deeper understanding about what our students and families are facing, better positioning us to serve them appropriately from a place of relevance.” Region 8 is proud to nominate Dr. Imee Almazan for this prestigious recognition!

The Robert E. Kelly Award is conferred annually by state ACSA to honor individuals who contribute over time to advancing high quality education through volunteer work. Region 8 enthusiastically nominates Anna Marie Villalobos for this recognition. Dr. Villalobos is a lifelong community volunteer and advocate for the cause of public education. To list all of organizations she has been involved in is too much for this space, but Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, County Superintendent of Schools, sums it up this way, “She serves on special committees, volunteering many hours to the Educator Preparation Program Advisory Board, the Warmenhoven Inclusion Collaborative Board and the ACSA Region 8 Retiree Charter. Further, she has established positive partnerships with members of the community and has contributed to the success of many teachers and leaders through coaching, mentoring, and advising. When asked to help out, she always says yes.” Region 8 Retiree Charter President Elect, Roberta Ortega, explains that even in retirement Dr. Villalobos is having an impact, “She continues to be a change-maker leader in creating systems of support for district administrators, educators, and families to ensure that all students receive the best and most inclusive public education programs and services.” Anna Maria Villalobos sets an example for us all. We are proud to nominate her for the Robert E. Kelly Award!

State ACSA has chosen the Region 8 nominee for the State Partners in Educational Excellence Award. An important collaboration between MetroED and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, led by Joe Simitian led to the creation and implementation of two important new programs in the Spring of 2022. After touring the MetroEd campus and classrooms Joe Simitian identified the Electric Vehicle and the Nursing Careers programs as perfect candidates for a partnership with the county. He proposed, and the Board of Supervisors approved a $250,000 grant to be split between the two programs. After the hard work of developing the curriculum and preparing the space for the programs, the programs launched in August of 2023 and are serving 105 additional students as a result of this partnership with the county. Metropolitan Education District Superintendent Alyssa Lynch explains the importance of this grant: “This type of financial and advocacy partnership builds positive relationships between schools and local communities by involving students in projects that contribute to solutions.” Three cheers for Joe Simitian and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors for recognizing the importance of career and technical education. Education needs informed and involved allies like them!

The Ferd. Kiesel Memorial Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor that ACSA can present to an individual. The award is given in the memory of Ferd. Kiesel, ACSA’s founding president. Region 8’s own George Manthey has been selected by state ACSA for this incredible honor. “Dr. George Manthey is an exceptional leader whose unwavering dedication to serving others, promoting social justice, and advancing equity and equality in education has made a profound impact on education leaders in California and beyond.” says retired Assistant Superintendent and Leadership Consultant Jeanie Cash. And so right she is! Dr. Manthey has played many different roles over the years, starting as a teacher in both special and general education at the elementary and middle school levels. He was a principal for ten years in San Jose before taking a job as Director of Educational Services at ACSA where he later became ACSA's Assistant Executive Director in 2006. Upon “retiring" in 2013, it seems that he amped up his workload, starting Lead Learner Associates, a professional learning organization that specializes in the support of educational leaders. He oversees the ACSA Clear Credential Program in the Silicon Valley region and is a key player in designing the ACSA Coaches Network training for all of California. George has published over 60 articles and recently co-authored Becoming and Evocative Coach. Dr. George Manthey’s contribution to public education in California is immense. As author and William & Mary Professor Megan Tschannen-Moran writes, “Thousands of school leaders, school teachers, and most importantly school children have benefited greatly from the passion and love that George has invested over the past 50 years.” Yes! George Manthey is certainly a Region 8 treasure! We celebrate him!

Congratulations to Jonathan Spencer the 2024 Region 8 Every Student Succeeding Award recipient! Jonathon is a force of nature and an inspiration to everyone who knows him. A senior at Gilroy High School, Jonathan’s journey through the local public school system and special education services has been anything but ordinary. While on the surface, he appears to be a typical teenager, his life is a testament to strength, resilience, and the power of hope

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At the age of 4, Jonathan was diagnosed with Niemann-Pick Type C, a rare inherited disease that disrupts the body’s ability to metabolize fat within cells. The impact of NPC extends to various organs. It has no known cure. This disease is fatal. For the past ten years, Jonathan has been participating in an experimental treatment trial that requires him to travel for treatments every two weeks. Jonathan's commitment to this experimental treatment reflects not only his personal strength, but also his dedication to contributing to medical advancements that may benefit future generations.

Beyond the medical trials, Jonathan has embraced his role as a motivational speaker, sharing his story with various groups. His message goes beyond the struggles of his own life, resonating with people facing their own difficulties. Through his own words, Jonathan encourages others to persevere, never giving up hope in the face of adversity.

In honoring Jonathan, we also salute the incredible team at Gilroy High who have supported him and we recognize the exemplary commitment of his family. Check out Jonathan’s Dreams, an organization founded by Jonathan’s family dedicated to raising awareness and raising funds to cure Niemann-Pick Type C.

As Jonathan approaches his 18th birthday, he stands as a symbol of unwavering hope, resilience, and positivity. His journey is not just a personal battle, but a beacon for everyone facing challenges. Through the highs and lows, Jonathan exemplifies the strength of the human spirit reminding us all to focus on the positive, never give up hope and persevere in the face of adversity.