SVUSD Welcomes New Superintendent as School Year Begins

Penny Weaver was appointed to serve as the new superintendent in July—beating out 17 other candidates in the process, and it’s no surprise. This long-time educator has it all, including a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies from California State University, Stanislaus, and a master’s in educational administration from Fresno Pacific University. She also graduated from the Superintendent’s Academy, a yearlong program with the Association of California School Administrators.

She has held numerous positions in education, including director of educational services for the Livingston Union School District in Merced County, where she also later became the district’s assistant superintendent for educational services. Before that, she helped develop curriculum and taught elective courses at Livingston Intermediate School and taught first grade for four years. Most recently, Weaver served as assistant superintendent of educational services and personnel for Belmont-Redwood Shores School District in San Mateo County.

Patch had the opportunity to chat with her, and although she said she will miss her work family from Belmont-Redwood Shores, she’s excited to build relationships with the Scotts Valley community and her new work family in the SVUSD.

Patch: When did you hear that you were chosen as the new superintendent, and what went through your head once you heard you landed the job?

Penny Weaver: The appointment was official when the board of trustees met and took action to approve our contract during a special board meeting on June 29. Prior to that, we discussed an offer pending a positive validation visit and action by the board at the special meeting on June 29. 

When I heard I was given the job, I thought, “This is the best experience I’ve been through.” It was thorough, open, honest and challenging. I was overjoyed to be selected. I had a good feeling that we—the board members, district and I—would be a good match for each other.

Patch: You were selected from a pool of 18 candidates for the position. What was the application process like?

Weaver: The process was rigorous. I completed an application package, which was submitted to the search consultants, then I offered information about myself in relation to what the staff, community and board members were seeking in a superintendent. Then my references were checked, and I was invited to participate in the interview process. 

There was a second-level interview with the board members, and a validation visit in Belmont was scheduled. A team of folks from SVUSD, the county and the city visited Belmont-Redwood Shores and spoke with staff, parents and community members to validate the skills and personality traits I presented in the interview process. The visit was about three hours.

Patch: Why did you decide to apply for superintendent for the SVUSD?

Weaver: Two superintendents I worked with suggested that I consider going through the Superintendent’s Academy for professional development. We talked about the critical challenges school districts are facing, and they encouraged me to step up. I completed the academy last year and took stock of what I have to offer. When I saw the announcement for SVUSD, talked with the search consultants and explored Scotts Valley, I was very drawn to the district and decided to apply. 

Patch: Do you consider the superintendent position the ideal job? If you didn't pursue the superintendent route, would you have gone back to teaching or pursued something different all together?  

Weaver: The superintendent position is a major role in the district. For me, that role is ideal in my journey to be a collaborative leader, a shepherd of resources and an encourager to those who are on the front line in the classroom, courageously giving their energy and talents.

If I hadn't been selected, I think I would have continued my role as an assistant superintendent until inspired to apply with a district who would be a good match for me.

Patch: What interested you in the Scotts Valley Unified School District, specifically?

Weaver: What has impressed me most about Scotts Valley is the connectedness between the community, our schools, parents and the businesses and professional services. I felt that community spirit when I first visited. After reading the district’s motto, “Together for Excellence,” I knew that SVUSD would be a great match for me. The people here make all the difference.

Patch: How did you become involved with education?

Weaver: My father was a munitions specialist with the U.S. Air Force. Our family settled in Atwater, in the Central Valley, and my dad retired at Castle Air Force Base, and I completed my last two years of high school there. I had a scholarship to study journalism and print media at Pepperdine University, but on a spring break, my mother asked me to volunteer in her friend’s second-grade classroom, and that experience changed my life. I set a new course to become an educator, transferred to California State University, Stanislaus, and completed my degree and teaching credential there. I earned my master’s in education at Fresno Pacific University.

Patch: It sounds like you have quite an extensive background in education. What is one of your favorite positions you've held thus far?

Weaver: In each role, I’ve had the privilege of working in education, which has had its own rewards and challenges. I have to say that teaching first grade remains a favorite time in my life. I learned that I had a lot to learn. It's an amazing experience to see children unlock “the code” and learn to read, then write and compute. 

Patch: I read that you helped develop curriculum at Livingston Intermediate School, including photojournalism and broadcasting classes. Has journalism always been an interest of yours? What do you like about photojournalism?

Weaver: I have always enjoyed writing. My classmates selected me to be the editor of our room-22 journal in sixth grade, and that inspired me to develop as a writer. I took advanced writing courses at Pepperdine and worked with professionals in the field while studying print media. Good writing skills are essential and an asset to have in any job. 

What I like about photojournalism is that it combines images and words. It’s a very powerful medium for conveying ideas and thoughts, especially in the digital world we live in.

Patch: What are your goals as new superintendent?

Weaver: My immediate goals include fostering resources for the education program and physical school structures, facilitating the transition in our learning program to the Common Core State Standards and continuing integrative strategies with technology in our classrooms. These goals stem from the district’s strategic plan for 2011-12.