Lucia Mar Unified School District names its new superintendent
Lucia Mar Unified School District has a new superintendent.
Just a few months after Superintendent Andy Stenson announced his intention to resign, San Luis Obispo County’s largest school district has appointed Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Paul Fawcett to be his replacement.
The Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday afternoon to hire Fawcett.
“We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Fawcett as the next leader of TEAM Lucia Mar,” Board President Vicki Meagher said in a news release. “We are confident that he has the right combination of skills and experience to lead our district. He stood out among an impressive group of applicants at the conclusion of a statewide search.”
Stenson announced his resignation in February; a district spokeswoman said Stenson was “taking a step back to create a better balance for himself and his family.”
He asked the board to reassign him to another position in Lucia Mar for the next school year.
“I enthusiastically applaud the Board of Education’s decision to name Dr. Paul Fawcett as Lucia Mar’s next superintendent,” Stenson said in the release. “Having worked closely with him over the past four years, I can personally attest to his high character, tremendous work ethic and commitment to doing what is right for our fine students and dedicated staff. Dr. Fawcett will be an excellent superintendent.”
Fawcett joined the district in 2016 as its director of special education. He has a doctorate in educational leadership from UC Davis and a master’s in educational leadership and curriculum and instruction from Cal Poly, according to the release.
Before coming to Lucia Mar, he served as a high school principal for Winters Joint Unified School District in Northern California, and has also taught in both K-12 and post-secondary schools.
“I’m both honored and humbled by this opportunity,” Fawcett said in the release. “I’m looking forward to collaboratively working with our board, current leadership and staff to serve our district’s students, parents and community.”
“Staying true to our motto, ‘Our Kids First,’ we’ll remain focused and committed to ensuring that all students are provided with the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential in school and beyond,” he added.
An employment agreement for Fawcett and transition plans are expected to be presented for board action at its regular meeting May 19.
This story was originally published May 12, 2020 at 5:42 PM.
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