The following is a press release from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education approved the appointment of Dr. Stacy Williamson
as the new assistant superintendent of educational services at its Feb. 27, 2024 special board meeting. Dr. Williamson’s
appointment is effective March 8, 2024.
Dr. Williamson has served as the SMMUSD director of research, evaluation and assessment for the past two years, bringing a total of 17 years of education experience to this new role.
Dr. Williamson joined SMMUSD in May 2022 following varying rolls in the Palmdale and Newhall School Districts including elementary school principal, assistant principal, district learning support teacher, learning support teacher, master teacher, beginning teacher support and assessment provider and elementary teacher.
In her current role, Dr. Williamson coordinates the district-wide assessment program for grades preK through 12, prepares and presents annual reports to the school board documenting district assessment results, causes/effects, and next steps, works with principals and teachers in coordinating continuity and articulation of the assessment and assisting with analyzing their school data to identify low-achieving students, design effective remediation, and provide required information for state and local reports, manages school accountability report cards, school plans and other aspects of federal categorical programs, supported in the update of the 2023-24 and creation of the 2024-25 District’s Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), including LCAP goals, strategies and budgetary needs, facilitates professional development for principals that is aligned with district goals and objectives, ensures compliance with local, state and federal mandates and requirements, and with California Education Code and other state and federal requirements, supports in the development, implements and managing of the educational services department budget, supporting the superintendent in creating, promoting and communicating the district’s vision and goals for curriculum and instructional programs, and supporting the work updating Board policies and administrative regulations as needed.
Dr. Williamson holds a bachelor’s degree liberal studies with a minor in Chicano Studies, a master’s degree in education in curriculum and instruction and a doctorate in educational leadership from Cal State Northridge. The title of her dissertation: Administrator perceptions of RTI (Response to Intervention): Implementation, oversight, and involvement. As a principal in the Newhall School District, she was honored with the 2022 California Pivotal Practice Award.
“I want to share my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the assistant superintendent of educational services for the Santa Monica-Malibu community,” said Dr. Williamson. “I am deeply honored to have the chance to contribute to the educational journey of the students, support the dedicated staff, and engage with the vibrant community of Santa Monica-Malibu. I am committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can thrive, every staff member feels valued, and every member of the community is heard. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with the talented team already in place and to work together towards achieving our shared goals of academic excellence and community engagement. Once again, thank you for entrusting me with this important responsibility. I am eager to begin this journey and to make a positive impact on the Santa Monica-Malibu educational community.”
Dr. Williamson replaces Dr. Jacqueline Mora who served as assistant superintendent for six years, until her unexpected passing in September 2023.
“We think of Dr. Mora regularly and her legacy in SMMUSD will continue to live on. Dr. Mora was an incredibly dedicated and hardworking district leader who truly cared about all students, with a special interest in our most vulnerable students,” said Superintendent Dr Antonio Shelton.
“She is forever in our hearts as we will continue to remember her at special events, including Mariachi and Folklorico that she was so passionate about.”
At the school board meeting, Dr. Shelton expressed thanks and appreciation to the educational services team directors, coordinators and staff who rose to the task and filled really big shoes.
“The professionalism displayed and interest in continuing the important work while we were all grieving is to be commended. I sincerely appreciate all of you,” said Dr. Shelton. “We conducted a search for this position and through the process Dr. Williamson proved to be our best and brightest candidate based on her experience, strong work ethic, familiarity with SMMUSD educational services and programs and her willingness and interest to continue to grow and learn,” said Dr. Shelton. “We are thrilled to have Dr. Williamson officially serve SMMUSD in her new role as we continue to focus on academic and social emotional success for all students.”
