San Diego Unified School District Superintendent Cindy Marten’s four-year contract has been extended for an additional year.
In a joint statement released late Tuesday, the Board of Education said the superintendent embraced the board’s vision for improving the district.
The trustees praised her for putting teaching and learning at the center of the organization, reaching out to the community and a range of stakeholders, being attentive to all levels of operation, creating a strong team of leaders who share her passion for improving student achievement for all students, and developing strong multi-year budget strategies.
The former award-winning principal at Central Elementary School in the economically disadvantaged neighborhood of City Heights succeeded Bill Kowba last summer.
In her first year at the helm, she proposed reducing class size, always a popular issue among teachers and parents, and served on Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s transition team after his February election.
She said she was “gratified by the board’s confidence” and “excited to continue this important work alongside extraordinary educators and staff in ensuring we serve the needs of all of our amazing students.”
The district recently participated in a White House initiative, My Brother’s Keeper, to better educate African-American and Latino children living below the poverty level.
Marten said the $200 million program, “represents an unprecedented platform that sends a strong signal to the nation. As leaders of the largest public urban school districts, we stand with the White House to commit our resources, efforts, hearts and minds to act with courage and conviction to positively impact the life outcomes of our young men.”
– City News Service contributed to this report.
