By Janene Scully, Noozhawk North County Editor
A San Jose educator has been hired as the next superintendent for the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District.
Andrew Schwab was selected Tuesday night to replace Superintendent Scott Cory, who announced his departure in March after eight years on the job.
The board also approved a three-year contract, starting July 1, for Schwab, with an annual salary of $171,360 for a work year of 220 days.
“We’re excited to have you on board,” said Jan Clevenger, president of the district’s board.
Most recently, Schwab has served as associate superintendent of learning and innovation at the Union School District in San Jose.
He comes to SYVUHSD with a background as a high school teacher, plus experiences with educational technology, strategic planning, cutting-edge curriculum development, budget and fiscal planning, and professional development, Clevenger said.
“Mr. Schwab brings a vast compliment of educational initiatives and outstanding leadership opportunities to the district,” Clevenger said. “His vision and expertise in the use of technology implementation to improve student learning will impact the success of all students and staff.”
Schwab also has a sound track record in building and implementing sustainable technology plans, Clevenger added.
Other details of his contract include that Schwab will not receive paid vacation or holidays, but will accrue sick leave at a rate of one day per month.
He also will receive a $50 monthly cellphone payment and $250 allowance for transportation within Santa Barbara County.
“I am very excited to be joining the district,” Schwab said.
Information about upcoming meet-and-greet opportunities for students, staff and community will be shared soon, he added.
Previously, he worked as an information technology consultant, including being focused on getting technology into the classroom.
He earned his associate’s degree from Oxnard College, bachelor’s degree in computer information technology from Humboldt State University, and master’s degree in information technology from American InterContinental University.
He also is pursuing his doctorate in organizational change and leadership at the University of Southern California.
The Army veteran also held a number of IT and computer-related jobs for various firms and organizations before entering the education field.
Schwab has been involved in state-wide education advocacy, and served two elected terms on the board of directors of Computer-Using Educators (CUE). He also served on the California Department of Education’s K-12 High Speed Network advisory board, and currently is a member of the advisory board for the Krause Center for Innovation at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills.
The Santa Ynez Valley board hired a consultant, McPherson & Jacobson LLC, to guide the search for a new superintendent. The firm has ties to the California School Boards Association.
The high school district includes two campuses, the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and a continuation school, Refugio High.
Students come from six elementary school districts — Solvang, Buellton, College, Los Olivos, Ballard and Vista De Las Cruces — in the Santa Ynez Valley.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.
