Larkspur Graduate Named School District Superintendent

In a unanimous vote, the Larkspur School District Board of Trustees at their regular meeting on June 15, 2005, approved a three (3) year contract with Valerie Pitts to be the district superintendent. Pitts attended Larkspur-Corte Madera Elementary School, Hall Middle School and graduated in three years at the top of her class at Redwood High School. She is currently the principal of San Lorenzo Valley High School in Felton, California. Pitts began her educational career as a special education teacher at San Rafael High School. She has worked at virtually every level of education in her over 26 years in the profession, including the Santa Cruz County Office of Education.  She has been an elementary principal and middle school principal in addition to her present position.

“We are thrilled that Valerie is returning to Larkspur to lead our schools,” said Kevin Mangan, Board President. “She will continue the focus of the district on doing what is best for students. She is a consensus builder with a demonstrated ability to bring people together in finding positive solutions for any challenge that may arise. She recognizes that the Larkspur School District is working well and will continue to lead us in a positive, forward direction.”

Pitts is approaching her first superintendency well prepared. In addition to her extensive teaching and administrative experience, she is currently working on her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of California in Berkeley, holds BA and MA degrees from San Francisco State University as well as teaching and administrative services credentials from Sonoma State University and Hayward State University. She is a trained facilitator and has been a consultant in meeting strategies, shared decision-making, coaching and facilitation for school teams. She is an experienced grant writer and has been an invited speaker at local, state and national conferences. 

“I am so excited to come home and to join the Board, excellent staff and committed community in continuing to give our children in Larkspur and Corte Madera the best education possible. I look forward to spending time over the summer getting reacquainted with the community and the staff. I truly believe that teaching children is the most important work in the world. It is an honor and privilege for me to do that work in the Larkspur School District.” 

Board President Kevin Mangan added, “When selecting an educational leader for a community, the “fit” is very important. We are confident that Valerie has the right approach for our district and look forward to her joining our administrative team.”

Pitts was chosen from a field of 30 initial applicants from a search that was supported by Mary Jane Burke, Marin County Superintendent of Schools. After a community-based paper screening committee reviewed the applications, seven were chosen to be interviewed by a broad-based committee composed of teachers, classified staff, parents, board members and city council members from Larkspur and Corte Madera. Three of those seven were recommended to the Board for final interviews. Pitts was the unanimous choice of the Board. A community committee then visited Pitts’ district in Ben Lomond and met with the superintendent, a board member, teachers, parent leaders and students. 

Pitts will begin her work July 1, 2005. A community reception will be held in the fall to officially welcome her. Pitts has four children, two sons and two daughters.