School Board Finalizes New Superintendent Hire

Parvin Ahmadi made her first remarks to the public Tuesday night after the school board finalized her hire with a unanimous vote to approve her three-year contract.

"I am honored and really humbled to be selected as the new superintendent of Pleasanton," said Ahmadi, who is currently assistant superintendent of instruction with the Fremont Unified School District.

The contract approved by Pleasanton's five-member board sets Ahmadi's base salary at $220,000, which is lower than current Superintendent John Casey's annual earnings of $227,000. Casey's retirement becomes effective June 30.

and Ahmadi's family were in attendance to witness the final steps of the new superintendent's hiring, and Ahmadi said she was appreciative of all the support.

"I am so grateful for what I have been a part of for the past 13 years – all the opportunities that have come to me in Fremont," said Ahmadi, who also thanked her husband, two sons and daughter-in-law for their encouragement.

Ahmadi was selected after an extensive nationwide search in which approximately 200 stakeholders – including parents, teachers and administrators – in Pleasanton took part in building a profile that listed expectations of characteristics necessary for their new superintendent to carry.

Thirty-six candidates from across the country were chosen by a consultant firm hired by the district during the search, and after countless interviews, Ahmadi was selected as the top contender in April.

"We really put a lot of thought and a lot of heart into this decision," said Chris Grant, school board president.

Board members expressed enthusiasm and strong confidence in the future prospect of working as a collaborative team with Ahmadi.

"(There are) challenges ahead, but I know you're up for it," Board Clerk Pat Kernan said.

Acknowledging financial pinches and unforeseen adversities, Ahmadi told the community that she will spend the coming months learning about the school district's strengths and weaknesses.

"I know that through the collaborative efforts I have seen and I have heard about in Pleasanton, that the community will be able to continue to provide wonderful opportunities to all of our students," Ahmadi said.

Grant has said that Ahmadi's salary and benefits package reflects a "tightening of the belt" in all areas of the school district.

Compared with Casey's current contract, Ahmadi's contract includes reductions totaling $4,800 less in car allowances and $4,500 less in life insurance contribution per year. It also eliminates a $10,000 yearly tax sheltered annuity.

The overall package comes to $26,000 less than Casey's contract. The terms of Ahmadi's contract is effective from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2013.

Ahmadi has been understanding of the statewide deficit in school funds and said the lesser figure is not discouraging for her. She added that she is willing to sacrifice similar to other employees who have seen paycuts within the district.

"And I'll be happy to do that," Ahmadi said.

The school board will evaluate Ahmadi annually and will determined whether her base salary will be increased dependent on those reports. Ahmadi's official start date is July 1.

Ahmadi joins the Pleasanton school district after more than a decade of experience in the Fremont School District. Ahmadi joined Fremont in 1997 as a sixth grade teacher and moved up the ranks as vice principal and principal. She joined the district office in 2005 as director of elementary education. Three years later, she was promoted to assistant superintendent of instruction.