Newark Unified School District Board of Education Names Dr. William Eger as New Superintendent
Newark, CA (March 27, 2026)- The Newark Unified School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Eger as its next superintendent. Dr. Eger brings nearly two decades of public education experience, driven by a passion for improving student outcomes in an equitable, innovative, community driven, and fiscally responsible manner. His selection follows a comprehensive search conducted in partnership with Leadership Associates.
Dr. Eger currently serves as Assistant Superintendent at Ravenswood City School District, a role he has held since 2020. During his tenure, he built community trust through transparent and interactive budgeting practices, while leveraging philanthropy and braided state grants to increase both per pupil spending and district reserves. He oversaw $250 million in school construction projects and led efforts to lease two underdeveloped sites, generating district revenue and supporting the development of more than 500 units of 100 percent affordable housing, with a preference for teachers and staff.
Through close collaboration with labor partners, teacher compensation and retention improved, while new partnerships expanded out of school programming and early childhood opportunities for the community. Collectively, these efforts helped stabilize enrollment, strengthen reserves, and support gains in student achievement.
Prior to his work at Ravenswood, Dr. Eger served as Director of Strategic Initiatives for Boston Public Schools, where he contributed to long term academic and financial planning, more equitable resource allocation, and innovative student transportation systems. Earlier in his career, he was a Senior Associate in the Education Practice at Parthenon EY, working primarily with Detroit Public Schools during their financial recovery.
Dr. Eger began his career as a high school mathematics teacher in Philadelphia and as a City Year Corps Member. He currently teaches “Mission and Money” as a Lecturer at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education and Graduate School of Business.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Eger to the Newark Unified family,” said Board President Nancy Thomas. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong ability to close equity gaps, build community trust, and drive measurable improvements in student outcomes, even during periods of declining enrollment and financial uncertainty. We are confident he will lead our district with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to every child we serve.”
“I am deeply honored by the trust the Newark Board has placed in me,” said Dr. Eger. “What drew me to Newark was the clarity of what this community values, honest leadership, fiscal stability, and schools that work for students, staff, and families. I look forward to being present in schools and earning the trust of every family as we build on the strong foundation already in place.”
The Board extends its deepest appreciation to Superintendent Tracey B. Vackar for the stability, vision, and steady leadership she has brought to the District over the past several years. Her unwavering commitment to Newark has helped restore financial stability, strengthen and clarify key leadership roles, and, most importantly, drive meaningful academic gains across the District. ensuring a seamless transition for our new superintendent.
Dr. Eger holds an Ed.D. and M.S.Ed in Education Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education and an A.B. in Government from Harvard College. He is an alum of the Broad Residency and was the ACSA Business Officer of the Year in Region 5 in 2024.
This appointment is pending Board of Education approval at its April 15, 2026 regular scheduled meeting.
