NUSD Fills 5 Administrative Positions

NOVATO, CA — The Novato Union School District last week announced it has filled previously five administrative positions.

The NUSD Board of Trustees made the announcement Tuesday at a regular meeting.

Karolina Gage was named principal at Lynwood Elementary School, Amanda Wagner was named assistant principal at Hamilton K-8 School, John Matern was named Assistant Principal at Sinaloa Middle School, Deborah Baraban and Whitney McEachern were named co-assistant principals at San Jose Middle School and Kevin Goyer was named an NUSD special education coordinator.

“I am so excited to promote and welcome these professionals to our district,” NUSD Superintendent Jan La Torre-Derby said in a statement.

“We are delighted to have them join our team.”

Gage currently serves as principal at the Cesar Chavez Language Academy in Santa Rosa. She replaces Melissa Diaz, who resigned.

Wagner currently serves as a teacher on special assignment/instructional coach at the Ross Valley School District. She replaces Stefanie Parnell who was named principal at Hamilton K-8 School.

Matern has served as dean at Sinaloa Middle School since January 2022. He replaces Mike Saisi, who was named NUSD Director of Student Services.

Goyer currently a special education program specialist at the San Mateo Union High School District. He replaces retiree April Port.

Deborah Baraban and Whitney McEachern will be sharing the position of Assistant Principal at San Jose Middle School.

McEachern currently serves as San Jose Middle School’s assistant principal and will take a reduced role next year. Baraban currently a teacher at San Jose Middle School.