Dr. Catherine Kawaguchi

[SSUSD] – The Governing Board of Sulphur Springs Union School District is pleased to announce that it has selected Dr. Catherine Kawaguchi as its next superintendent. Her employment contract will be agendized for Board action in open session at the Board’s next regular meeting Dec. 10, and she will assume her duties as superintendent Jan. 5.

Dr. Kawaguchi will be leaving her post as Assistant Superintendent Educational Services from the Oxnard School District in Ventura County.

Dr. Kawaguchi said she is eager to lead this outstanding district.

“The District is focused on student achievement and targeted on making sure that the children are learning in 21st-century learning environments,” she said.

Her first order of business will be to meet as many parents, children, staff members, and community leaders as possible. “It is important to listen to the school’s community and learn the culture of the District as soon as possible,” she stated.

Dr. Kawaguchi earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of California Santa Barbara, masters in Educational Leadership from California Lutheran University, and just recently completed her doctorate in Educational Leadership from University of Southern California.

She started her career as an elementary teacher for 15 years where she spent most of her years teaching 6th grade. She also worked as an assistant principal in a middle school and was then promoted to principal of an elementary school. Dr. Kawaguchi was later promoted to Assistant Superintendent where she has served for five years.

Dr. Kawaguchi brings with her experience with the implementation of the common core state standards and the next generation science standards. She will support Sulphur Springs with its new technology focus since Dr. Kawaguchi supported her district in being the first in Ventura County to roll-out over 17,000 iPads to children and staff. “I look forward to working closely with District teachers and staff to ensure that we are supporting children with new technology and making sure that our children are prepared to learn in a rigorous and supportive environment.”

Dr. Kawaguchi said the Sulphur Springs Union School District is focused on strengthening families and bringing everyone together to support and increase academic success for their children. She looks forward to continuing to celebrate the great successes in the District and working with the Board of Trustees to ensure that all children have access to resources to further enhance their learning.