PALMDALE – Palmdale School District officials have selected Raul Maldonado as candidate for Superintendent. With the public announcement of the selection, the Palmdale School Board will begin contract negotiations during the closed session of the April 15th board meeting.
“I am humbled and honored to have been selected as the new Superintendent of Schools for the Palmdale School District,” said Maldonado. “I look forward to working together with our teachers, staff, parents and community to advocate for our students.”
Maldonado previously worked at Palmdale School District from 2001 to 2013, where he held several positions, ultimately serving as Director of Student Assessment & Accountability. In July 2013, he left Palmdale to accept the position of Superintendent of the McFarland Unified School District in Kern County. Maldonado is known at both districts for his emphasis on student achievement.
“We’re pleased to offer the position to someone who already knows and loves Palmdale School District,” said Board President Maria Molina. “Having Mr. Maldonado return to our district as our new Superintendent will help carry forward the good momentum we have been working hard to build.”
Maldonado was selected from among the 16 administrators who applied for the Superintendent position before it closed on March 19th. Many factors were considered in the selection process, with special emphasis placed on attributes identified as important in the recent community survey hosted by the School District.
Maldonado will begin his duties as Superintendent upon the completion of his contract negotiation.
Pauline Winbush, who has been serving as Palmdale School District’s Interim Superintendent, will then return to her position as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.
“It has been an honor to serve as Interim Superintendent,” said Winbush. “I look forward to great things happening at Palmdale School District under Mr. Maldonado’s leadership.”
(Information via press release from Palmdale School District.)