The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District will step into the 2024-25 school year with a handful of new and rising leaders.
In addition to a new superintendent in Torie Gibson — who was named to the helm this summer following Chris Van Schaack’s retirement announcement — LVJUSD welcomes two new administrators and has promoted two internal staff to leadership roles.
Kayla Wasley will join the executive leadership team this month as LVJUSD’s assistant superintendent of business services. Jennifer Burkholder takes on the principal role at Croce Elementary after serving as the vice principal of Christensen Middle School — a position now held by Janine Mains. And Ashley Sprader was hired as a program coordinator at Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy.
Meet the administrators
New to the Livermore district, Wasley has served as a chief business official for school districts since 2015 and has more than 10 years of business leadership, including her most recent role as the director of external business services for the El Dorado County Office of Education.
“I believe that a key component to fiscal transparency is the ability to communicate complex information in a way that can be easily understood to all educational partners,” said Wasley. “I look forward to working collaboratively in the best interest of Livermore students.”
Burkholder first began her LVJUSD career in 2014 as the lead behavior analyst at Croce Elementary, where she is now the principal.
“I am thrilled to return to Croce and apply my diverse experience as a special education teacher, behaviorist and vice principal to the strong foundation of student success that exists,” Burkholder said. “My teaching experience has taught me the importance of individualized learning, inclusive practices and working as a team to meet the unique needs of our students.”
Mains previously served as a director for the district’s Advancement Via Individual Determination program, which helps prepare students for college. Her background also includes teaching and coaching other teachers on technology integrations.
“I am excited to join the Christensen team and look forward to supporting all of our students reaching their full potential,” said Mains.
Picking up STEAM
Sprader is new to the LVJUSD staff but brings 18 years of educational experience to her new role.
“Contributing to the growing success of Marylin’s STEAM magnet program is something I look forward to,” Sprader said. “I am excited to join a team of dedicated staff who share my belief in creating impactful and positive learning environments for all students.”
Gibson, the new superintendent, said leadership changes provide opportunities for new perspectives and energy that are important for the growth and continuous improvement of an organization.
“We are excited for our new administrators to join us in our efforts to serve Livermore students best,” said Gibson.
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