School District Names New Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Piedmont Unified School District (PUSD) is excited to announce Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D., as its new Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. With over 18 years of progressive leadership experience in education, Dr. Vanden Wyngaard will lead PUSD’s effort to implement its goals and actions in regards to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the entire District.
“I am excited for this opportunity to be a part of the Piedmont community and to help PUSD achieve its goals involving this important work,” said Dr. Vanden Wyngaard. “I can’t wait to get started working with these amazing students and educators and build on the momentum that’s already in place.”
“We are very fortunate to bring someone of Dr. Vanden Wyngaard’s caliber to Piedmont,” said PUSD Superintendent, Randall Booker. “Her broad experience in education and proven track record of leadership and bringing people together will be a tremendous asset in what we are working to build throughout our District.”
“It quickly became clear during the interview process that Dr. Vanden Wyngaard had risen to the top of everyone’s first-choice candidate because of her depth of experience as an administrator and extensive background in curriculum work,” added PUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Cheryl Wozniak, Ed.D. “We are thrilled to have her on the team and look forward to working with her in support of our students and staff.”
“The PUSD Board of Education is committed to providing an equitable environment for students and staff of all backgrounds,” said PUSD Board Trustee, Veronica Anderson Thigpen. “Dr. Vanden Wyngaard is a proven champion for our work toward that goal. Our District and community will benefit greatly from her knowledge and experience.”
A third-generation musician, Dr. Vanden Wyngaard followed in her family’s footsteps by becoming a choral music director. Effective in schools, civic, and church choir leadership, she honed her skills in facilitating large groups of people toward common goals by utilizing her abilities to bring many people from divergent viewpoints to an understanding of a universal goal.
Eager to branch out beyond music, Dr. Vanden Wyngaard earned a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Kent State University, and within that program, studied and worked tirelessly within urban communities of Ohio. She joined the Ohio State Department of Education in 2000, working as Assistant Director in the Office of Professional Development and Regional School Improvement Services before climbing the ladder in public education culminating with Deputy Superintendent position at Paterson Public Schools in New Jersey from 2010-12, and Superintendent of Schools at City School District in Albany, NY, from 2012- 16.
Most recently, she worked as Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at College of St. Rose in Albany. In all positions, she has led from a position of social justice and has provided professional development, data-focused conversations, and policy reviews to elevate the issues driven by racism that support high levels of poverty, mass incarceration, and limited access to housing and jobs.
In this next step in her journey, Dr. Vanden Wyngaard, is honored to serve the students, families, Board of Education, and the entire educational community as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Piedmont community, and PUSD is excited to welcome her to our community.
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