The Orcutt Union School District has selected a 16-year member of its management team as its new superintendent.
Dr. Holly Edds will begin her new role on July 1. Her appointment became official following a Board of Trustees vote Wednesday night.
She has been the assistant superintendent of educational services since 2010. Prior to that, she served as principal of Joe Nightingale Elementary in Santa Maria and has been a teacher and administration in San Luis Obispo County and worked for the Santa Barbara County Office of Education.
"I am grateful for this amazing opportunity to partner with our Board of Trustees in continuing the commitment to excellence for our students," Edds said in a press release. "This district holds a special place in my heart because of the people who work and live here. We have such dedicated employees and such a supportive community. It is clear that the culture in this district continues to put students first and to do whatever it takes to ensure our students have what they need to succeed not only in the time they are here with us, but in their future endeavors. I am proud of what we have accomplished and excited about what is yet to come."
Edds, a U.C. Irvine and Cal Poly graduate, lives in Orcutt with her husband and two daughters.
The district says she holds multiple teaching credentials and has teaching experience in both regular and special education.
"We are very excited that Dr. Edds will be the new Superintendent for Orcutt Union School District," said Board President Liz Phillips. "Based on the feedback and criteria received during our stakeholder process, were looking for someone with both a vision and dedication that will keep students and teachers at the center, and with experience supporting a diverse community. As part of our national search, we interviewed a number of experienced and promising candidates, but it was clear that Dr. Holly Edds had the professional background, and passion to lead our district into its next chapter".
Edds will replace current superintendent Dr. Deborah Blow, who is retiring at the end of this school year.
