Quick Take
Live Oak School District has named San Jose district administrator Jennifer Baldwin as its next superintendent, effective July 1. Baldwin, a Santa Cruz resident, has three decades of public education experience.
An administrator from San Jose’s Moreland School District will be the new Live Oak School District superintendent starting July 1.
Moreland Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Jennifer Baldwin will replace Pat Sánchez, who was in the role since summer of 2024.
“Jennifer has been described as a highly collaborative leader with exceptional integrity and a distributive leadership style,” governing board president Kristin Pfotenhauer said in a statement. “She has a history of team building around a unifying vision resulting in significantly improved student outcomes and strengthened morale for staff.”
Baldwin, who lives in Santa Cruz, has 30 years of public education experience, ranging from teacher to assistant superintendent. She’s spent the past seven years at Moreland, where she was first the assistant superintendent of human resources and is currently leading educational services. She received a doctorate in educational leadership and innovation from Arizona State University.
“I am truly honored and excited to join Live Oak School District and serve a community so committed to students,” Baldwin said in a statement. “I look forward to partnering with our students, staff, families, and community to build on the district’s strong foundation and create meaningful opportunities for every student to succeed.”
Teachers union president Lauren Pomrantz said teachers are relieved that the school board has made a choice. She said she’s still learning about Baldwin, but heard a “glowing review” from the president of the Moreland teachers union.
“That’s always a good sign,” said Pomrantz, adding that teachers are happy that Baldwin is local and already has many contacts in Santa Cruz.
Sánchez’s last day will be June 30.
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