This press release was written by the South Bay Union School District. Dr. Carol Parish will be replaced by Dr. Katie McNamara on July 1.
Dr. Carol Parish will attend her final Board Meeting tomorrow evening as she is set to retire from South Bay Union School District on June 28, 2013. Dr. Parish was originally hired as Associate Superintendent in January 2002 and became the District Superintendent in August 2006. Since assuming the Superintendent role, Dr. Parish has led the growth of the District to 8,400 students in 13 school campuses, including one pre-school, 9 K-6 schools and 2 K-8 Charter schools. Under her leadership, the District has passed two bond elections allowing modernization of classrooms, increased access to technology and improvedsafety features. The District’s Academic Performance Index (API) score has grown 122 points during her tenure.
Board Vice President Chris Brown praised Dr. Parish’s long term impact, “She has brought trust and respect to our District. Her contributions to SBUSD are beyond words. There have been thousands of things that she has done that will continue to make our District a great school district.”
Board Member Melanie Ellsworth discussed her feelings about Superintendent Parish, “I have a deep appreciation for her dedication to student success, her ability to attract talented staff who move the students and the District forward, her visibility, her belief in transparency in all aspects, her belief that we are all learners, and her way of phrasing her words to be positive and respectful.”
Trustee Barbara Elliott-Sanders, who first worked with Superintendent Parish when she was a Literacy Coach, described her as a leader that leads by example. About Dr. Parish’s legacy, she stated, “She is leaving this District fiscally sound, with positive relationships with both Certificated and Classified associations, and with a feeling of excitement for the future.”
Trustee Nicholas Inzunza described Dr. Parish as a “Gentle Iron Lady with a classic style. She always demonstrates energy and dedication. She will be greatly missed.”
Board President Elvia Aguilar summarized Dr. Parish’s influence on the District, “She has brought outstanding leadership to our District, an increase in student achievement, an environment of respect and honesty and has established a culture of trust and dignity.” Trustee Aguilar added that she hopes that, in her retirement, Dr. Parish is able to “look back with pride on all she has accomplished, look forward with excitement to all the adventures ahead of her, and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.”
Students from many schools and classrooms have sent notes of appreciation to Dr. Parish. One student wrote, “I think you are an inspiration to children everywhere. Thank you for making so many changes that have improved education in our District. I admire your courage. You are a visionary!”
Dr. Parish began her career as an educator in 1970 and has served children and schools in Illinois and Arizona prior to coming to San Diego. She also served one year as an intern at the American Association of School Administrators in Arlington, Virginia. Dr. Parish indicated, “It has been the honor and privilege of my career to serve our students and community for the past eleven years. I am confident that the District will continue to make rapid advancements in academic achievement as our talented staff continues to assure that SBUSD schools are the best places on earth for children to learn.” Dr. Parish looks forward to spending time with family and friends in her retirement.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.