San Dieguito Union High School District

Dr. Staffieri joined the San Dieguito Union High School District in July 2023 after serving as the superintendent of Escondido Union High School District (EUHSD) for the prior four years. Prior to this role, she was superintendent in Ramona Unified School District from 2016-19. Her career in education spans more than three decades as a high school biology and Spanish teacher, principal, director, assistant superintendent of human resources, and superintendent. In 2021, Dr. Staffieri was named Superintendent of the Year by California Continuation Education Association (CCEA). In 2019, she received the Golden Oak Service Award by the Sun Valley Council PTA, PTA’s most prestigious service award, for her engaging and approachable leadership style.

 

Dr. Staffieri holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Brigham Young University, a Master of Arts in Curriculum Development from Cal State University San Marcos, a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Brigham Young University and is fluent in Spanish. Dr. Staffieri has built her career on establishing cohesion, stability and lasting relationships within each of the communities she has served. During the pandemic, Dr. Staffieri partnered with Neighborhood Healthcare to provide physical and mental health support to students and families. After the pandemic, she opened Wellness Centers on multiple EUHSD campuses to offer additional resources to students and staff.

 

Dr. Staffieri is highly involved with a number of professional organizations including Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and California School Board Association (CSBA). Currently, she serves on the CIF State Federated Council and was Board President of the CIF San Diego Section from 2020-2022. She is a frequent and respected guest speaker offering her skills as a trainer, facilitator and panelist on the local, state and national levels.

 

The Board would like to express its appreciation to all the applicants for their willingness to share their vision and serve the district. Ultimately, Dr. Staffieri stood out for her strength of character and reputation as an educator throughout San Diego.

 

Board President Viskanta noted, “The Board was drawn to her forthright leadership style, depth of experience, and passion for the well-being of the SDUHSD community. Educators throughout the county speak highly of her ethics and ability to successfully lead a school district. She will be able to hit the ground running and lean into the positive relationships she already has in our area, including connections with the superintendents in our feeder districts."

 

A Torrey Pines High School graduate, Dr. Staffieri believes her known leadership and experience will provide much needed stability, sharing, “It is an honor to serve the community in which I grew up. I look forward to partnering with the Board, staff, students, and families to build upon San Dieguito’s reputation as a district of opportunity and choice. I am confident that we will accomplish great things together.”