School district names new curriculum chief

Sonoma Valley Unified School District Superintendent Louann Carlomagno has appointed Robert Curtis as the new Director of Curriculum & Instruction pending formal board approval. Dr. Curtis replaces Lynn Fitzpatrick, who retired from the post in June.

Dr. Curtis comes to Sonoma Valley most recently with the Alameda County Office of Education where he has served as Director of Science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). He begins his new assignment this month.

“I believe SVUSD educators will come to find Robert a sound resource and supporter of their efforts to move their schools and programs forward in the best interests of Sonoma students,” Carlomagno said. “He brings a depth and breadth of experience to the district.”

With Alameda County, Dr. Curtis also headed the Integrated Middle School Science Project, a partnership that included 10 districts, four county offices and the Exploratorium. Between 2008 and 2010, Dr. Curtis also served as a coach/consultant for the development of high school Linked Learning programs across the state through the California Center for College and Career’s ConnectEd initiative.

Dr. Curtis has a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from the University of California, Santa Cruz; a master’s degree in Science Education from Tuffs University; and a Bachelor of Science degree from Gordon College. He taught high school science in the Fremont Unified School District for seven years and then had assignments as the Director for School Innovation and as project director for Small Learning Community and California Partnership grants in the Fremont School District.

He has had leadership roles developing partnerships between and among K12 districts, non-profits and higher education, Carlomagno said, and he has been the author of several articles dealing with lesson study, distributed leadership, and effective teaching.

“Anyone who talks with Robert will soon discover that they are dealing with an engaging, capable and motivated co-worker,” said Carlomagno.