Ardella Dailey

When I entered the JDP program two years ago I was an Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services in Alameda Unified School District.  Effective July 1, 2005 I have been Appointed Interim Superintendent for the 05/06 school year.  I think that one of the reasons I was ready to step up has to do with my experiences in the JDP program.  I am clearer about my vision, goals and strategies I will use in my new position.  The JDP program is a challenge and hard work but it has helped to build my knowledge base and confidence as an educational leader.

Jim Lianides

Prior to entering the JDP at Berkeley I was the chief business official for the Pacifica School District. Before coming to Pacifica I was a middle school and elementary principal in Mountain View. My duties as chief business official have been to prepare, monitor, and communicate budgets and oversee a $65 million facilities modernization program.

Recently, my superintendent announced her retirement and the Governing Board named me to be her successor. Beginning in January 2006 I will be the superintendent of the Pacifica School District. The district consists of six schools and 3145 K-8 students. My selection as the next superintendent was based on my experiences as a principal and chief business official, but equally as important, was my enrollment in the joint doctoral program.

The JDP has given me a broad and deep understanding of the challenges confronting K-12 public education in the areas of instruction, equity, and funding. The Governing Board has indicated that they strongly support my continued participation and upcoming completion of the program in 2006.