Directory – Newark Unified School District

Name	Position	Department	Phone Number	Email
Elisa Martinez	Board Member, Term Ends Dec. 2022	Board of Education		[email protected]
Bowen Zhang	President, Term Ends Dec. 2024	Board of Education		[email protected]
Phuong Nguyen	Clerk, Term Ends Dec. 2024	Board of Education		[email protected]
Aiden Hill	Board Member, Term Ends Dec. 2024	Board of Education		[email protected]
Terrence Grindall	Board Member, Term Ends Dec. 2022	Board of Education		[email protected]
Mark Triplett Ed. D.	Superintendent of Schools	Executive Cabinet	5108184112	[email protected]
Nicole Pierce	Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services	Educational Services	5108184201	[email protected]
Cathreene Ingham-Watters	Executive Director of Human Resources	Executive Cabinet	5108184242	[email protected]
Marie dela Cruz	Chief Business Official	Business Services	5108184115	[email protected]
Lucia Gutierrez	Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Education	Executive Cabinet	5108184112	[email protected]
Jodi Croce	Administrative Assistant	Business Services	5108184115	[email protected]
Laura Johnson	Administrative Assistant	Human Resources	5108184242	[email protected]
Monique Castellon	Administrative Assistant	Educational Services	5108184201	[email protected]
Kim Lola	Director of Fiscal Services	Business Services	5108184116	[email protected]
Ariel Dolowich	Director of Teaching and Learning	Educational Services	5108184113	[email protected]
Dr. Jan Hamilton	Director of Special Education	Special Education	5108184209	[email protected]
Isabel Cervantes-Falk	Director of Special Projects	Educational Services	5108184196	[email protected]
Paul Rose	Network Manager	Educational Services	5108184194	[email protected]
Leonor I. Rebosura	Director of East Bay Induction Consortium	East Bay Induction Consortium	5108184145	[email protected]
Jessica Ricketts	Administrative Assistant	Special Education	5108184209	[email protected]
Debbie Romero	Classified HR Manager	Human Resources	5108184244	[email protected]
Susan Condon	Director of MOT	Maintenance, Operations and Transportation	5108184277	[email protected]
Ana Leon	Coordinator of Pupil Services	Educational Services	5108184226	[email protected]
Nidia Sanchez-Rico	Childcare Coordinator	Child Care	5108184159	[email protected]
Maggie Tung	Budget & Position Manager	Business Services	5108184117	[email protected]
Mechele Oliveira	Print Shop Supervisor	Graphic Arts	5108184219	[email protected]
Georgia Vicente	Program Specialist	Special Education	5108184205	[email protected]
Julie Radcliffe	Certificated HR Technician	Human Resources	5108184243	[email protected]
Barbi Pagan	Software Support Specialist	Technology	5108184194	[email protected]
Maria Rivas	Offset Press Operator	Graphic Arts	5108184150	[email protected]
Kathy Canario	Administrative Secretary	Child Care	5108184138	[email protected]
Kadie Gilroy	Administrative Secretary	Maintenance, Operations and Transportation	5108184276	[email protected]
Miranda Dinsmore	Assessment Technician	Educational Services	5108184147	[email protected]
Nicole Lemas	Student Development Technician	Educational Services	5108184202	[email protected]
Liz Cesco	District Accountant	Business Services	5108184123	[email protected]
Sharon Tokubo	Account Technician	Child Care	5108184223	[email protected]
Stella Sung	Account Technician (Accounts Receivable)	Business Services	5108184133	[email protected]
Jayne Billmann	Account Technician (Accounts Payable)	Business Services	5108184121	[email protected]
Mary Bingham	Payroll Technician	Business Services	5108184119	[email protected]
Annette Rucker	Payroll Technician	Business Services	5108184118	[email protected]
Adrienne Notarte	Administrative Secretary	Special Education	5108184208	[email protected]
Laily Haidarian	Substitute Placement Clerk	Human Resources	5108184171	[email protected]
Donna Hanifin	Staff Secretary I	Human Resources	5108184103	[email protected]
Maria Huffer	Staff Secretary II	Maintenance, Operations and Transportation	5108184208	[email protected]
Agnes Lopez	District Nurse	Special Education	5108184146	[email protected]
David Mellons	Information Technology Technician	Technology	5108184194	[email protected]
Aaron Lindley	Information Technology Technician	Technology	5108184194	[email protected]

Board Member, Term Ends Dec. 2022

Elisa Martinez

Ms. Elisa Martinez has been a resident of Newark for close to 25 years. She has two children attending Newark schools. She is a strong supporter of public education and believes, wholeheartedly, that the best results come from close collaboration among school administration, teaching staff, and the community. Ms. Martinez graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a degree in Psychology. Professionally she serves as a Process Improvement Expert across many industries.

President, Term Ends Dec. 2024

Bowen Zhang

Mr. Bowen Zhang moved to Newark in 2012. Professionally, Mr. Zhang is a software engineer in Silicon Valley and has worked at several successful startups. Currently, Mr. Zhang works at Snowflake Inc., a cloud data platform company. On the School Board, Mr. Zhang is passionate about making sure our students acquire the right skills to thrive in the knowledge-based economy in the 21st century. Mr. Zhang immigrated to America with his family at the age of 17. He has a Master’s degree in Software Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor’s degree in both Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley.

Clerk, Term Ends Dec. 2024

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Phuong Nguyen

Ms. Phuong Nguyen was appointed to the Board of Education in September 2019 and elected in 2020. Her family has been residing in Newark for the past 30 years. Ms. Nguyen, and her siblings, are products of Newark schools and is proud to have her two children enrolled in the district. Ms. Nguyen strongly believes that public education builds strong, resilient, compassionate, talented professionals, innovators, and the leaders of tomorrow. Ms. Nguyen understands that it takes team-effort, collaborative work from district staff at all levels, and a strong partnership with parents, students, extended families, and the community at large to help develop and prepare students for their future endeavors in higher education or career trade. Ms. Nguyen has a degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Ms. Nguyen has 22 years of work experience in local government, strategic planning, and IT systems implementation.

Board Member, Term Ends Dec. 2024

Aiden Hill

Mr. Aiden Hill is a California native and a homeowner in Newark since 2001. For the bulk of his career, he has served as a management consultant helping top executives lead mission-critical efforts across a variety of industries. In recent years, Mr. Hill decided he wanted to give back to the next generation of Californians and has transitioned into a new role as a business teacher at Cupertino High School. Mr. Hill earned his undergraduate degree in History from Pomona College, a Master’s in Business Administration from Michigan State University, and a Preliminary Teaching Credential from San Jose State University. He is looking forward to working with board members, staff, teachers, and the community at large to make NUSD one of the highest performing districts in the nation.

Board Member, Term Ends Dec. 2022

Terrence Grindall

Mr. Terrence Grindall is a long-time Newark resident with a strong interest in seeing Newark schools be world-class institutions. A product of public education, Terrence attended San Francisco and San Jose State Universities, studying Sociology and Urban Planning. He has 30 years of experience in community development and is deeply committed to improving the Newark community. He believes that schools should provide a challenging and welcoming learning environment to all students, no matter their background or resources. He is committed to a culture of transparency, robust community input, and the highest ethical standards.

Superintendent of Schools

Mark Triplett Ed. D.

Dr. Mark Triplett was named superintendent of the Newark Unified School District in
June, 2020. He is deeply committed to achieving equitable outcomes for all students,
particularly those who have been traditionally underserved by our system. Dr. Triplett
champions the power and importance of public education as a transformational agent in
a diverse, democratic society.

Dr. Triplett has over 25 years of experience in education. He previously served as
Network Superintendent of Middle Schools in Oakland Unified School District. His focus
on instruction led to significant growth in math achievement, and a dramatic increase in
the number of students reading at grade level. During his tenure in Oakland, Dr. Triplett
promoted innovative practices to increase student engagement. He oversaw new
adoptions of Common Core-aligned curriculum in every subject area, and created a
nationally recognized outdoor environmental initiative for every child to have an
overnight camping experience. In addition, Dr. Triplett increased music, art, and world
language programming, and built a comprehensive computer science program in every
middle school.

Prior to his tenure as Network Superintendent, he was Deputy Superintendent of High
Schools, Director of Instruction for Middle Schools, and a school principal in Oakland.
Before coming to the Bay Area, he taught high school in Washington, DC and
New York City.

Dr. Triplett earned a Doctorate in Education Leadership from East Carolina University, a
Master of Arts in Education from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Arts
in history from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He is a Fulbright Award Recipient
and a New Leaders for New Schools alumni. He serves on a number of education-
focused advisory boards in the Bay Area.

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services

Nicole Pierce

With a decade each of academic and administrative experience in some of the most challenging contexts, Ms. Pierce has focused on developing a shared vision around equity and excellence, raising rigor and academic achievement, building strong teams and networks in service of distributed leadership, and above all, modeling the hard work, critical thinking, and deep compassion required of a career in service of all students.

Ms. Pierce graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Human Biology. She continued her studies at Stanford University, earning her Teaching Credential and Master’s Degree in Education. She earned an additional Master’s Degree in Administrative Leadership from Reach Institute of School Leadership and is scheduled to earn her Doctorate of Education in 2023.

Executive Director of Human Resources

Cathreene Ingham-Watters

Cathreene Ingham-Watters brings 21 years of experience and dedication to the Newark community. She has worked in NUSD since 2000: 13 years as a teacher at Bunker Elementary and the past eight years as principal at Musick and Milani/Birch Grove Intermediate School. As a site leader, Ingham-Watters led the merger of two elementary schools, implemented Professional Learning Communities, and initiated Project-Based Learning (PBL), with her site holding the honor of being the only PBL school in NUSD.

In her preparation for this position, Ingham-Watters completed extensive professional development relevant to school personnel administration. This includes a year-long institute with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), a negotiators’ symposium, and related field experience around hiring/retention of staff, negotiations, evaluations, and investigations. In addition, she has served on various committees such as the STAR Academy Design Team, the Makerspace Task Force, and the LCAP Advisory Committee. Ingham-Watters most recently served as the President of the Newark Management Association (NEWMA).

The Executive Director of Human Resources is responsible for the overall operation of the Human Resources Department, affirmative action and sexual harassment officer, uniform complaint officer, contract management, grievances, collective bargaining, employee discipline, new employee recruitment and selection, new teacher training, peer assistance and review, and the Student-Teacher program

Chief Business Official

Marie dela Cruz

The CBO’s current responsibilities include overseeing all business services for the district: management of the district’s Budget & Fiscal Services, Internal Auditing, Purchasing, Payroll, Insurance, Risk Management and Student Information Systems functions.

Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Education

Lucia Gutierrez

Administrative Assistant

Jodi Croce

Administrative support to the Chief Business Official; contracts/agreements; facility use permits; developer fees; risk management; insurance; archives

Administrative Assistant

Laura Johnson

Oversees and coordinates all generalized Human Resource Office functions; serves as Director’s primary assistant; prepares Board recommendations; coordinates all certificated and management interviews; manages applicant files

Administrative Assistant

Monique Castellon

The Administrative Assistant supports the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services and other leadership, organizes events, monitors budgets, processes contracts, supports district leadership meetings, prepares Board items, manages calendars, and coordinates purchases for Educational Services.

Director of Fiscal Services

Kim Lola

Oversees business services department; budget; purchasing; payroll; bank reconciliation; accounts payable; journal and cash transfers

Director of Teaching and Learning

Ariel Dolowich

Ariel Dolowich has taught on both the east and west coasts and is excited to bring his passion for teaching and learning to Newark. For the past 12 years in the Bay Area, he has served as a site instructional coach and an administrator at both the middle and high school levels. Mr. Dolowich also coaches new principals through ACOE’s leadership development program and places an emphasis on fostering school culture through collaborative partnerships. As Director of Teaching and Learning, Mr. Dolowich supports principals and schools with an authentic cycle of inquiry model focused on student achievement. Mr. Dolowich provides professional development for teachers and school leaders, oversees the analysis and reporting of state and local programs, coordinates the adoption and implementation of new curriculum, works collaboratively with district committees on report cards and curriculum and assessment matters, updates School Accountability Report Cards (SARC’s), and supports the development of School Plans for Student Achievement (SPSA’s). Mr. Dolowich holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of California, Davis and Masters of Arts Degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, Berkeley.

Director of Special Education

Dr. Jan Hamilton

Responsible for oversight of all district Special Education programming and services, pre-school through high school; coordination of Section 504; ensure due process for Special Education and Section 504 Programs.

Director of Special Projects

Isabel Cervantes-Falk

Network Manager

Paul Rose

Responsible for all aspects of information technology for the district; planning, implementation, support and maintenance of computer systems, data networks, software, business system, student information system, library system, e-mail system and Internet access.

Director of East Bay Induction Consortium

Leonor I. Rebosura

Leonor manages and directs East Bay Induction Consortium (EBIC), which support teachers in public, private and charter schools. EBIC provides two teacher induction programs that provide a pathway for teachers to clear their preliminary teaching credentials and earn a professional clear credential. EBIC develops, coordinates and conducts professional development events integrating adult learning structures and philosophy. EBIC provides coaching and technical assistance for site administrators and district personnel on the induction process, the implementation of the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and the Standards of Quality and Effectiveness for Professional Teacher Induction Programs. Newark Unified School District is the Lead Educational Agency of EBIC.

Administrative Assistant

Jessica Ricketts

Secretary to the Director; budgets; non-public school contracts; administrative support.

Classified HR Manager

Debbie Romero

Oversees office functions relating to classified employees: personnel tracking; fingerprinting and tuberculin testing; salary placement, advancement and professional growth; classification / reclassification; evaluation cycles; new employee processing; personnel files; workers compensation administration; coordinates all classified interviews

Director of MOT

Susan Condon

Responsible for oversight of District’s maintenance, opertions and transportation; utilities; safety program; security; storm water management; A.H.E.R.A compliance; hazardous material management.

Coordinator of Pupil Services

Ana Leon

The Coordinator of Pupil Services administers various student and family programs, including the School Attendance Review board (SARB), suspensions and expulsions, foster youth and homeless programs, enrollment, school safety, home teaching, and student health. They also supports district programs and services for students and families such as dental programs, emotional and mental health programs, parent partners, and attendance support initiatives.

Childcare Coordinator

Nidia Sanchez-Rico

Budget & Position Manager

Maggie Tung

Oversees payroll and position control

Print Shop Supervisor

Mechele Oliveira

Program Specialist

Georgia Vicente

Responsible for student program placement, procedures/questions for IEP’s, and home instruction students.

Certificated HR Technician

Julie Radcliffe

Oversees office functions relating to certificated employees: personnel tracking; fingerprinting and tuberculin testing; salary placement, advancement and professional growth; evaluation cycles; credential monitoring and renewal; new employee processing; personnel files; CBEDS/CSIS Coordinator; coaches

Software Support Specialist

Barbi Pagan

Student Information Systems; CALPADS reporting

Offset Press Operator

Maria Rivas

Administrative Secretary

Kathy Canario

Administrative Secretary

Kadie Gilroy

Respond to questions and requests for emergency and non-emergency issues; dispatch personnel; purchase supplies and coordinate contracted services; track budgets; work order billing; state reports (pesticides, fuel, UST, etc.) ID badges; district cell phones, assist HV/AC field technician with Alerton program.

Assessment Technician

Miranda Dinsmore

Miranda Dinsmore is committed to supporting parents and students, all school sites, and Educational Services. She provides technical support for state mandated and district assessment programs including CA Assessment of Student Progress and Performance (CAASPP) including Smarter Balanced, CAA, CAST, English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC), and Physical Fitness Testing (PFT). She manages and provides support for the Data and Assessment reporting system (Illuminate DnA), and i-Ready, for our district benchmarks assessments. Additionally, she supports the preparation and maintenance of a variety of data reports, records, presentations, and files related to state and federal assessments and accountability.

Student Development Technician

Nicole Lemas

The Student Development Technician reports to and supports the Student Development and Pupil Services Coordinator, as well as provides support for Categorical Compliance. This includes the School Attendance Review Board (SARB), suspensions and expulsions, foster youth and homeless programs, enrollment, school safety, home teaching, and student health, as well as district programs and services for students and families.

District Accountant

Liz Cesco

Pupil attendance accounting; benefits accounting; retiree benefits; general accounting functions

Account Technician

Sharon Tokubo

Account Technician (Accounts Receivable)

Stella Sung

Deposits; donations; cash receipts; utilities accounting; purchasing requisition review/approval

Account Technician (Accounts Payable)

Jayne Billmann

Pays vendor warrants; check requests; reimbursements; petty cash

Payroll Technician

Mary Bingham

Payroll for employee last names starting with L – Z

Payroll Technician

Annette Rucker

Payroll for employee last names starting with A – K

Administrative Secretary

Adrienne Notarte

Special Education transportation, record requests, SEIS System, information, and administrative support.

Substitute Placement Clerk

Laily Haidarian

Coordinates placement of certificated and classified substitute employees; tracks employee attendance, including leaves and absences; manages Subfinder system

Staff Secretary I

Donna Hanifin

Front desk, reception and support to the Human Resources Department

Staff Secretary II

Maria Huffer

Respond to questions and requests for emergency and non-emergency issues; dispatch personnel; responsible for district transportation; scheduling, billing, contracted bus trips; track M.O.T. attendance; including site custodial attendance and sub-custodial issues; work orders; contracted services; pesticide notifications and assist HVAC field technician with Alerton/Syserco systems control program

District Nurse

Agnes Lopez

District Nurse