| | Published July 21st, 2021
| New OUSD superintendent selected
| | | By Sora O'Doherty |  | | Aida Glimme Photo provided |
Following an intensive search, the Orinda Union School District board of trustees has selected Aida Glimme to serve as the new superintendent of the district. Glimme, who comes to Orinda from the Acalanes Union High School District, replaces popular outgoing superintendent Dr. Carolyn Seaton.
The board conducted a wide-ranging search, with the help of consultants Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates. The process included seeking community input, and the board thanked everyone who participated in the search by contributing their ideas, thoughts and opinions, which were critical in guiding the board to making the appointment.
According to the announcement of Glimme's appointment, community feedback had indicated that the next superintendent must be a strong communicator and collaborator who will inspire confidence in parents, staff, and the broader community, while remaining truly student-centered from both an academic and social-emotional perspective. The community input also established the importance of selecting a superintendent who recruits and retains talented staff, understands and utilizes technology effectively, and has budget-related financial acumen. The community also prioritized further work by the next superintendent on the implementation of policies and practices focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.
In a press release, the board stated that Glimme is extremely qualified to successfully lead the OUSD. "She has extensive experience and knowledge related to teacher mentorship, curriculum development, equity, change management, and positive school cultures. Furthermore, she is an honest, collaborative, and transparent leader who will make herself present and available in our community." The board concluded, "Her deep dedication to students, teachers, and parents was extremely evident throughout the interview process, and the board is confident that her transformative energy, clear vision, and unparalleled commitment will benefit our district in both the short and long term."
"The board's process in selecting Orinda Union School District's next Superintendent was thorough and inclusive, and we were able to leverage technology to connect with a broad range of stakeholders in our community to gather feedback," said Board President Liz Daoust. "Aida Glimme's strong, thoughtful, and visionary leadership, in addition to her commitment to equity were impressive, and she will bring a breadth of knowledge and experience to our District."
Glimme immigrated to the United States in 1992 from Bosnia as a civil war refugee. She went through high school as an English Language Learner, which continues to shape her views on equity and educational programs. During her 22 years working in public education, she has served as a principal, assistant principal, science teacher, and coach. She has been recognized by the Association of California School Administrators as the Administrator of the Year for Curriculum and Instruction. Glimme received a B.S. in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an M.Ed. in educational leadership from Chapman University. She resides locally with her husband, who is an elementary school teacher, and her second-grade daughter.
In accepting the post, Glimme stated, "I am honored and thrilled to serve as the new Orinda Union School District Superintendent. I am eager to continue working with the community that I know, a community that is highly committed to excellence in education, high academic achievement, and supporting students. I look forward to working with you, the Orinda students, staff, and parents in my new role, as I learn from you about the District and share my experiences so that we can grow together." The OUSD board invited the community to join them in warmly welcoming Aida Glimme to the Orinda Union School District community.
In other personnel changes at Orinda schools, Ben Campopiano, from the Mt. Diablo Unified School District will replace Julie Parks as principal of Miramonte High School as Parks becomes the superintendent of the Moraga School District. Maple Lai, who was the associate principal of OIS will be the new principal of Del Rey Elementary School, and Kevin Cutler will replace Bobby Bardenhagen as OUSD director of technology and instructional innovation. |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA