Successor Mark Twain Superintendent Identified:
The Mark Twain Union Elementary School District Board of Education is delighted to announce the pending appointment of Louise Simson, for the position of Superintendent commencing on July 1, 2024. The last step in the process is for the Board to consider and approve the employment agreement at the upcoming regular Board meeting, which will be held at the District Board Room August 8, 2024. Ms. Simson has most recently served as the Superintendent of Anderson Valley Unified School District in Mendocino County, where she led the district through extensive facility upgrades including passing a bond with a 72 percent “yes” vote. The district also received a $5 million all-weather track and field grant funded by Caltrans Clean California and partnered for funding with state and federal agencies to support renovation of 70-year-old campus infrastructure, while also raising expectations and implementing supports to increase student achievement. Ms. Simson said that she is delighted to return to Calaveras County and looks forward to serving students, staff, and families at Copperopolis Elementary and Mark Twain Elementary. “I know what a great county this is from my past role as Assistant Superintendent/Principal at Vallecito Union. In sharing her reasoning for accepting the position, Simson stated, “The Board is dedicated to the achievement of all students and the community support for this school system is very apparent. “I am delighted to partner with Sara Tutthill and Carri Penafiel and all our staff members to innovate to educate and ensure every student achieves to the best of their abilities. I am most impressed with how this community responded to the recent wildfire, and how the district personnel and families pulled together to support one another. It speaks volumes about the care and commitment to each other,” stated Simson. Ms. Simson assumes her duties on July 1 and will be a visible presence in the district. She said she looks forward to meeting the community. “My door is usually always open. Stop in and visit!”
Stated Christy Miro, President of the Board of Education, “With the unexpected May resignation of our current Superintendent, the Board was collectively concerned about capable and immediate leadership for the district to provide fiscal and academic stability. With all the community input and engagement that had been generated for the Superintendent search last year, the Board had a comprehensive vision of what the community was looking for. Finding out that Louise was available, especially given her past experience in the area and resume as an extraordinarily successful superintendent, it seemed like a natural fit for the district and provides a continuity of leadership for our students and staff. She stated, “The Board is excited to welcome Louise as our new Superintendent. Louise's remarkable leadership at Anderson Valley Unified highlights her dedication and expertise and we are excited about the positive changes she will bring to Copperopolis and Mark Twain Elementary. The Board is confident that under her leadership, our students will reach new heights. Welcome aboard, Louise!”
Ms. Miro continued that she also wished to express her deepest gratitude and appreciation to Sara Tutthill for her temporary assignment as Interim Superintendent praising her for her hard work and leadership, particularly in the challenging wildfire disaster. “Sara did a stellar job in this emergency, and her work is appreciated and valued. We are so lucky to have her serving our district.”
Kind Regards,
Christy Miro
Board Member Mark Twain Union Elementary School District