St. Helena Unified School District

 Dr. Jodi McClay Selected to Take the Helm as St. Helena Unified School District’s Next Superintendent

For Immediate Release                                                                                    

September 16, 2024                                                                                                                         

Contact: Lisa Pelosi, Board President

(707) 967-2701

St. Helena, California - The St. Helena Unified School District (SHUSD) Board of Education is pleased to announce the pending selection of seasoned educator, Dr. Jodi McClay, as the new Superintendent contingent upon successful contract negotiations and final Board approval on October 10, 2024.

Dr. McClay will join St. Helena after serving as Deputy Superintendent in the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) for the past fourteen months. Prior to this role, Dr. McClay served as a teacher in the Lake Elsinore Unified School District before spending twenty-five years as an esteemed principal, central office leader, and Superintendent in the Temecula Valley Unified School District. With a public education career spanning more than three decades, Dr. McClay has established a distinguished track record of leading professional learning communities (PLC’s) and selfless service to students, staff and families.

Dr. McClay holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Concordia University, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Chapman University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from Chapman University. She remains highly involved with various professional organizations including the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and regional Superintendent’s Council. Her skills as an author, guest speaker and panelist are highly regarded at the local, state, and national levels.

Dr. McClay’s talents as a classroom teacher, principal and district office leader have led to numerous awards of distinction including: the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Administrator of the Year, Riverside County Educator of the Year; California Distinguished School Principal; Teacher of the Year; and Reading Educator of the Year.  Her visionary leadership, ability to bring student and teacher voice into the room as decisions are made, and strong relationships with everyone are well-recognized features of her work.

The Board would like to share its appreciation with all the applicants who expressed an interest in serving the District. Ultimately, Dr. McClay stood out for her reputation of exceptionalism throughout California. Board President Lisa Pelosi noted, “The Board is committed to high standards for our students’ education.  Dr. McClay’s focus on engagement and mentoring district teams has resulted in elevated levels of student engagement and educational outcomes, as evidenced by her accolades and awards.  Her ability to build trust and create unity of purpose across the TK-12 spectrum is another career trademark.  Finally, Dr. McClay’s hands-on experience leading multiple schools through professional learning communities for the past fifteen years will enable her to immediately support our District’s PLC initiative.”

Dr. McClay considers her inclusive style an asset for the role, sharing, “I am incredibly honored and humbled to join the SHUSD team. I look forward to partnering with the Board, staff, students, and families to build upon the District’s reputation of opportunity and excellence.”

Dr. McClay will be relocating to Northern California to join her children and grandchildren who currently reside in the area. Mr. Chris Heller will continue to serve as acting superintendent until Dr. McClay begins her assignment on November 1, 2024. Mr. Heller and Dr. McClay will work closely together to ensure a seamless transition for all involved.

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