Superintendent Kevin Skelly will recommend the appointment of a new associate superintendent to the school board at the May 13 Board of Education meeting, according to a statement released today by the Palo Alto Unified School District.

Virginia Davis, current associate superintendent of the Davis Joint Unified School District in Davis, will replace retiring Dr. Marilyn Cook as the assistant superintendent of educational services.
Both Dana Tom, president of the school board, and Skelly, expect Davis to be confirmed by the board.

“Mrs. Davis’ experiences in district leadership and educational services will serve our district well and her work in Davis should hold her in good stead as she moves to Palo Alto,” Skelly said. “We are extremely pleased that we could attract and hire Mrs. Davis for this important position in our district. Dr. Cook’s departure means that we are losing a great deal of expertise, so filling this position appropriately is extremely important.”

Skelly explained that Davis’ work in Davis, will help her in Palo Alto, since both communities house universities.

“She’ll have experience with similar kinds of kids and communities,” Skelly said, “but nothing prepares you for working in Palo Alto.”

Tom expressed his excitement at working with Davis, who he hopes will bring a new set of knowledge to the table.

“I look forward to getting to know her (Davis) and to her bringing fresh, yet experienced eyes to our district to help move us on our path of continuous improvement,” Tom said.

School board member Camille Townsend also expressed excitement about working with Davis and praised her experience.

“She understands that our (the district’s) overriding mission is to offer an exceptional educational experience to our students,” Townsend said. “We will continue to focus on providing students excellent academic opportunities that are intellectually challenging, providing rich extra curricular options that engage a student’s many talents, and building on our strong educational community. Ms. Davis comes knowing our high expectations and yes, I am very excited to be working with her. She will bring her own experience that will serve her and us well.”

However, Tom recognized that Cook’s retirement will be a loss to the district.

“Dr. Cook worked in our district for many years in a variety of capacities, applying that experience to her efforts,” Tom said. “We will depend on others to carry our organizational knowledge forward.”

Townsend agreed with Tom about Cook’s retirement.

“Losing Dr. Cook’s breadth and depth of education and district experience will definitely be a loss to our students, Townsend said. “Her determination on behalf of students can never be fully replaced.”

Davis was one of seven candidates interviewed by a selection committee composed of principals and district staff, Skelly said, and was one of four finalists recommended to a second committee.”

Previously, Davis has taught social studies, served as a principal and vice-principal of elementary and middle schools, and been the assistant superintendent of the Dixon Unified School District.

Davis attended Baron Park Elementary, Terman Middle School and Gunn. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of California, Davis, and her Masters in Education from Stanford University. She currently lives in Davis with her husband.