Louann Carlomagno didn’t set out to be an educator. After graduating from Sonoma Valley High School, Carlomagno attended Santa Rosa Junior College and then transferred to University California, Davis, where she earned her degree in genetics. She applied her knowledge to a career in biochemistry at Genencor, a division of Genentech. As part of her job responsibilities she taught classes to school teachers to show them how to bring biotechnology into their classrooms. Teachers ate it up and flocked to the South San Francisco site to learn more about how to excite students with science.
Somewhere along the line, Carlomagno was bitten by the teaching bug herself because when the school district called and offered her a job teaching science at Sonoma Valley High School, she took the leap.
“I’d never taught students before so those first days were quite an experience for me,” said Carlomagno, who went to night school to get her full teaching credential and also took a significant pay cut in the process.
Does she regret the decision? Unlikely, based on her growth path – a science teacher at the high school for five years, Carlomagno then moved to Sonoma Charter School where she taught humanities, math and science at the middle school level. She spent three years there and then one year as vice principal of Altimira. She was then appointed principal of El Verano by Superintendent Marilyn Kelly. Six years later, she applied for and won the job as director of curriculum and instruction at the district office.
Now, as superintendent, Carlomagno is directly responsible to the board of trustees, serves as chief executive of the board, and supervises all district operations in accordance with board policies. Although as superintendent Carlomagno may delegate appropriate powers and duties so operational decisions can be made at various administrative levels, she is responsible for the execution of these powers and duties and will establish administrative regulations as needed to manage the district. In relation to district staff she coordinates the work of all schools and departments, directs the employment and assignment of administrative staff including making selections and recommendations as well as advising the board regarding the leave, classification, retirement, resignation, promotion, suspension or dismissal of district employees. Many other responsibilities round out the position.
“The selection came as a surprise to me and I’m very excited at the opportunities that lay ahead,” said Carlomagno. “I’ve heard from people across the board that the time is right to push our kids forward at the highest level. “
For Carlomagno the first step – setting goals, “I’ll be visiting all the school sites and meeting with teachers, parents, students and the various departments in the district like transportation, food service, etc. There are so many people in this district with great ideas. We need to listen to those and be ready to move forward to increase student achievement.”
Carlomagno has high expectations of herself and the district. She wants a school system where every option is made available to every student whether it is going to a four-year college or technical school, joining the work force or some other avenue to success.
“We need to be passionate and motivated ourselves to instill those qualities in our students. I’m excited to get started,” said Carlomagno.
Ask the Supe
The Sun asked parents what they wanted to know. Here are the answers to your questions.
Q: How do you feel the district and board responded when faced with this latest round of budget cuts? How will both entities deal with what may be continuing budget cuts from the state?
A: In this case it wasn’t a response; we saw it coming and have been planning for the past 24 to 36 months. Justin Frese did an excellent job of looking at all options and presented these options to all stakeholders for input and ultimately the board made a decision based on recommendations from staff. We are in a holding pattern in terms of hearing from the state on further cuts and the reason we are able to do this is that we have adequate reserves and will have time to plan if this is the case.
Q: This board doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to retaining those in the superintendent’s position? How is your relationship with the board and what will you do to keep the working relationship strong?
A: The Board and I have a strong working relationship and with any relationship, communication is key to the success of that relationship. I’m in a unique position to have known this Board as a district administrator (and they have gotten to know me) for the past four years, so we can hit the ground running!
Q: What do you see as the most pressing issue as you take on this new role?
A: As addressed in our local education plan, the most pressing issue for us is focusing on academic achievement. Whether this is a system for students who need more time to learn or enrichment for others, we need to make sure all students have options. We need to look at our strategic plan and gather use the data we’ve gathered to drive decisions and move forward. The Board has been wise in asking for community input. We can see where there are areas of concern and success. The key here will be specific and measureable goals.
Q: What will you do that is different or the same as the previous superintendent?
A: I can’t really answer that question but I think my strength lies in my ability to have conversations with people whether they are happy or unhappy. I’m willing to be out there and am open to suggestions and ideas. I feel that if you take the time to listen, people will begin to trust in and talk with you openly and honestly.
Q: Have the trustees directed Louann to seek a high school
principal who will be charged with bringing about change. If so, what are those changes?
A: An executive summary (which is currently on the district website) was developed by Carolyn McKennan, Ed.D the consultant from Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates which included input from students, teachers, community members, parents, parent organizations, administrators, the board and other interested stakeholders. This executive summary, which was shared at the January 12th Board Meeting, clearly defines the characteristics we want to see in our new high school principal.
Here is a portion of that summary:
The Sonoma Valley Unified School District is looking for an experienced high school principal who is able to address these challenges in a competent, caring manner. The new principal must articulate a clear vision for the school and possess a track record of improving student achievement with a diverse student population. He/she must understand and value Hispanic culture, be able to engage the Latino community, and thus demonstrate a clear recognition that they are an integral part of the community. A bilingual/bicultural individual is desired but not required. He/she should be a collaborator who communicates well with all stakeholders and has demonstrated the ability to work positively with school staff. This individual should be an inspired, visionary leader, open to new ideas. He/she must be able to foster a team-concept in the District, treating people with respect and professionalism. He/she must demonstrate integrity in all of his/her actions. This individual must have the ability and willingness to use data to make instruction and/or resource modifications based on student needs, and yet also understand that data is only one element of the decision-making process. He/she needs to be politically savvy regarding local, state, and federal government. He/she also must hold himself/herself and others to high standards, and be sure to hold people accountable.
It is important that the chosen candidate loves children and understands the high school student. There is a strong desire that this person be compassionate, credible, dynamic, optimistic, positive, trustworthy, visible, and possess a sense of humor.
Q: Will the trustees support the new principal by giving him or her the time to accomplish change and will they support the principal in the face of the inevitable challenges from students, parents, and staff? What role will Louann play in assisting the new principal?
A: The summary above clearly highlights what we (the invested stakeholders) will be looking for in a candidate as we enter into the screening and interview process. I will pledge my support to this new principal as I do to all educators in this valley and our Board of Trustees will do the same. I will also listen to determine what he/she will need to be successful at our high school.