The Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD) will have a new superintendent in June, when outgoing superintendent Gary Waddell retires. 

Damon Wright, the current superintendent of the Benicia Unified School District, was named to the post this week by the SCUSD Board of Trustees. 

Wright said he looked forward to building relationships with the school community, including parents, students and teachers. 

“It is an honor and privilege to serve as Superintendent of Santa Clara Unified School District and to join a community deeply rooted in a shared vision and strong values centered on student success,” Wright said in a statement. 

SCUSD Board President Bonnie Lieberman said Wright stood out in interviews with several candidates for his commitment to closing the gap between underserved students and those that get more support. 

“Through extensive community engagement this winter, the board heard and joined the community in its desire for a candidate who would understand the needs of our diverse student population, establish a culture of high expectations for all students and staff, and foster a positive, professional climate of mutual trust and respect,” Lieberman said. 

Wright has over 25 years of experience in education, including stints as an elementary school guidance assistant, a school counselor and school psychologist, according to the SCUSD Board of Trustees. 

Prior to being named the Benicia superintendent, he served as executive director of secondary education for Napa Valley Unified School District and the senior director of human resources for Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District. 

Wright has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Sacramento State University, a master’s degree in school counseling from National University, in San Diego, and a doctorate in organizational leadership from Brandman University, now known as UMass Global. 

He also has completed several certification programs through the Association of California School Administrators, according to the Board of Trustees. 

Outgoing superintendent Waddell said he was glad to hand the district leadership position over to someone with Wright’s experience. 

“We are fortunate indeed to welcome a new Superintendent of Dr. Wright’s caliber to the SCUSD family who I know will continue to lead the district with a focus on excellence and well-being for all students, empathy and respect, equity, and partnership,” Waddell said. 

The district serves over 14,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.