Only a week after Turlock Unified School District Superintendent Sonny Da Marto made an announcement revealing his intention to retire at the end of the school year, the TUSD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Dana Salles Trevethan as new Interim Superintendent, effective July 1 to June 30, 2016.
“I am honored and elated, and frankly a little nervous, about leading from the very top,” said Trevethan. “However, I am confident that when surrounded by a dedicated Board, passionate staff, and a supportive community, the task of putting students first, and staff a close second, will continue to guide our District."
To help aid their decision, the Board took into account many of Trevethan’s strengths, including her strong and effective communication, leadership skills, share-decision making style, and desire to build capacity within others—all of which is demonstrated in her most recent work dedicated to developing the new Local Control Accountability Plan alongside staff and community members.
The District also noted Trevethan’s commitment to every student in order to ensure that each individual has equal educational opportunities, which will undoubtedly foster a life-long passion of learning.
“I am so thankful to Dr. Sonny Da Marto for seven years of his leadership. Those were tough economic times and he did a great job leading TUSD through those seven difficult years,” said Board member Harinder Grewal. “I, as a trustee, have full confidence in Dana and I am thankful to Dana for accepting this position and I strongly believe in her leadership, TUSD is going to continue to move in the right direction and we will be a better school district in the coming years.”
Currently serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Trevethan has over 25 years of experience under her belt. She has held positions as an English teacher, tennis coach, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and served as Principal at Turlock High School for 11 years.
Prior to the several positions she held with TUSD, she also served as a middle school language arts teacher and athletic coach in Winton and Gustine.
“Ms. Trevethan is a person who has gained the trust and respect of the school board and the employees of the District through her tireless energy and commitment to the well being of the students and employees of this District,” said Board President Frank Lima. “Ms. Trevethan has the energy, vision, and talent to lead our District to the next level.
“She has the interpersonal skills and integrity to build relationships with all stakeholders, including students, parents, staff, and community members, and she will remain committed to maintaining communication and collaborations with the City of Turlock and CSU Stanislaus, where she has taught in the administrative credential program for a number of years,” continued Lima.
According to Lima, the District will now enter into negotiations regarding Trevethan’s contract. TUSD hopes and expects that prior to the culmination of the 2015-2016 school year, agreements between the District and Trevethan will extend this into a permanent appointment.
Although specificities of Trevethan’s contract are still up in the air, the District initially hired Da Marto in 2008 with a three-year contract which consisted of an $175,000 annual base salary and a three to five percent annual salary stipend. It also included a $650 monthly auto allowance and $15,000 for moving and relocation expenses.
Once the District proposes an agreement, Trevethan can either accept or counter the offer. However, Lima has “no doubt” that they will reach an agreement that is fair for everyone.
