Novato Superintendent of Schools Kris Cosca has notified the Novato Unified School District (NUSD) Board of Trustees that he will resign from his position in a few days. This will mark the end of six years of service by Cosca to the District. “It has been a privilege to serve the students, families and staff of the Novato Unified School District and to work in a wonderful community so supportive of their schools,” said Superintendent Cosca.
The Board will formally accept Cosca’s resignation at its public meeting on June 22, 2021. His tenure will end on June 30. Individual Trustees note Cosca’s many contributions and achievements in both his role as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and as Superintendent. “Kris has been tireless in his leadership of the District, especially during the unprecedented and challenging period the COVID-19 pandemic presented, just six months into his first year as Superintendent. We appreciate that the safety and well-being of our students, staff, teachers and families were always at the forefront of decisions he made, during this historic and constantly changing time” said Ross Millerick, Board President.
Cosca’s tenure was not without controversy. He took much public criticism over his handling of in-person school post COVID-19. Last month the Marin County Office of Education stepped in to calm the waters following the use of the N-word by the school board president. Cosca’s handling of the matter was criticized by MCOE.
Cosca also moved to close one of Novato’s elementary schools, causing heated turmoil within the district. The MCOE put a stop to the move last month saying that the Novato school district had lost too many students already and closing a school would not help regain students after the pandemic.
The Marin County Office of Education (MCOE) has offered to provide administrative support to the District during this transition period. County Superintendent Burke has enlisted Dr. Jan La Torre-Derby, former Superintendent of the Novato Unified School District, to serve as Interim Superintendent. Support will also be provided by Dr. Amie Carter, Assistant Superintendent at MCOE and a recent Novato Unified School District administrator. They will work directly with the District leadership to support the day-to-day operations of the District. MCOE’s business services division will also work to help the District strengthen their financial position and ensure the District keeps moving forward effectively.
“It is a privilege for our office to be able to support Marin’s largest school district”, said County Superintendent Burke. “Working with a talented, committed and dedicated group of District leaders, and exceptional site administrators, teachers and school staff, we will together address the challenges ahead. We shall build upon the solid foundation of outstanding schools, all of which are already doing a great job of serving Novato families.”
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