201 Covington Road • Los Altos, CA • 94024 650-947-1152 (tel) • 650-947-0118 (fax)

Jeffrey Baier Superintendent [email protected]

October 1, 2012

Dear Gardner Bullis Parents, I am honored and delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs. Courtney Cadwell as the principal of Gardner Bullis School effective October 8, 2012. Mrs. Cadwell is currently serving in a key leadership role as the instructional coach for science, technology and mathematics here in Los Altos School District. Prior to this she taught sixth and seventh grade mathematics in LASD. Mrs. Cadwell was also hired as the first program director for The Living Classroom Program, and her vision and guidance was instrumental in establishing that garden-based education program in our district. Courtney comes to Gardner Bullis with a stellar reputation and a deep and varied background. She currently sits as a teacher on the education advisory panels of both the Gates Foundation and the Intrepid Philanthropy Foundation which is affiliated with the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. Courtney has also played a key role in the innovative work LASD is conducting with Khan Academy. Prior to her arrival in Los Altos, she shared her passion for learning with students in Texas. As a math and science teacher in the Highland Park Independent School District, Courtney earned numerous awards and distinctions including Highland Park’s highest honor in recognition of professional accomplishments on three separate occasions. The wealth of instruction and leadership knowledge, experience and expertise Courtney will bring to Gardner Bullis is truly exciting. I tried to capture highlights of her experience in the preceding paragraphs, but those words truly cannot capture the range of talents she will be bringing to the Gardner Bullis learning community. In order to more fully communicate Courtney's talent, I have attached an annotated version of the résumé she submitted with her application. Mrs. Cadwell was selected from among a large field of candidates. After applications were screened by a team including Gardner Bullis parent Tara Dhillon, candidates were interviewed by several panels. The first interview panel included Gardner Bullis staff members Sarah Koh, Pam Loebner and Cathy Voelker; Gardner Bullis parents Jennifer Galbraith, Brad Hauser and Toni Moos; LASD principals Nancy Davis and Amy Romem; and Assistant Superintendent, Alyssa Gallagher. Finalists were then interviewed by the District principals and me, with the final interview by the Board of Trustees.

Board of Trustees: Bill Cooper, Mark Goines, Tamara Logan, Doug Smith, Steve Taglio

Courtney’s experience, knowledge of curriculum and her commitment to children and their learning impressed the members of the interview teams. She will bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to both Gardner Bullis Elementary and to the leadership of the Los Altos School District. Letters written to me highlighted many positive qualities. The comments included: “…extraordinary skills and creativity, as well as her ethics and exceptional professionalism, would make her an ideal contributor to any organization.”; “…exceptional depth of knowledge and incredible ability to connect with students…”, and “...one of those rare individuals who can excel at any task put in front of her.” Mrs. Cadwell will begin her work immediately collaborating with Mrs. Eckols and the LASD leadership team. She will meet the students and staff on Tuesday, October 2, and will meet with parents for the first time on Wednesday morning at 8:45 in the Gardner Bullis multipurpose room. All are welcome to attend. Please join me in welcoming her to the community! Regards,

Jeffrey Baier

Los Altos School District…a leader in revolutionizing learning for all students