At the June 9, 2016 regularly scheduled Board of Education Meeting, the Washington Unified School District (WUSD) Trustees approved the appointment of two new employees to the positions of Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Services (Preschool-Grade 8) and Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Services (Grades 6-12).

Amber Lee has been selected as the new Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Services focused on Preschool to Grade 8 curriculum and instruction. Ms. Lee comes to the WUSD with more than 19 years of professional experience in public education serving in a wide-range of roles including kindergarten and elementary teacher, elementary principal, director and executive director leadership positions as well as literacy and staff development coach. Most recently she served as Executive Director for Leadership Development and Professional Development for the Natomas Unified School District forging a reputation for being a strong leader and communicator with stakeholders across all levels. Her depth of knowledge of the educational landscape made her a valuable asset to her former communities in the adoption of the new California State Standards, the Smarter Balanced Assessment, the Local control Funding Formula and the Local Control Accountability Plan. It is with great excitement that we announce Amber’s selection in this role for the WUSD and we look forward to working with her in broadening our capacity for reaching the needs of all students.   

Andy Parsons will serve as the new Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Services concentrated on Grades 6-12 curriculum and instruction. Mr. Parsons has worked extensively in education for more than 21 years as a high school teacher, assistant principal, principal and associate superintendent for instructional services. He has a proven track record for producing results and an intricate understanding of the current state of education in California with strong leadership skills and a genuine passion for fostering student achievement. One of his greatest attributes is an unrelenting drive to ensure the long term stability and growth of educational program under his tenure. Andy has been an instrumental lead in the successful development of small learning communities, highly functioning professional learning communities, expansion of robust career technical education pathways and the opening of a brand new high school while serving as principal. Mr. Parsons is an extremely accomplished, well-respected and student-centered administrator—we are thrilled with the opportunity to have him join the WUSD and usher forward a culture of high expectations. 

Both Lee and Parsons will begin their new roles as of July 1, 2016. Please join us in congratulating them and welcome them to the WUSD Team!