Orinda Union Schools Welcome New Director of Curriculum and Instruction

From Orinda Union School District: The Orinda Union School District is excited to announce the appointment of Mr. David Schrag as its new Director of Curriculum and Instruction. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved his appointment at their May 8, 2017, Board Meeting. Mr. Schrag will begin on July 1, 2017.

Mr. Schrag started his career in education as a fifth and sixth grade teacher in the Hayward Unified School District. He was quickly recognized as a teacher leader and mentored colleagues in the areas of differentiated instruction, assessments, coordinated team teaching, and cross-age tutoring by students. Following eight years of service as a teacher, Mr. Schrag was hired as the Vice Principal of Ralston Middle School in the Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary School District. Since 2007, he has served as Principal of Stanley Middle School in the Lafayette School District. Under Mr. Schrag’s leadership, Stanley Middle School was honored as a California Gold Medal School and twice as a California Distinguished School.

Mr. Schrag earned his Bachelor of Arts in English at the University of California, Davis, and his Master of Arts in Education, Administration, and Policy Analysis at Stanford University. He has demonstrated success in shaping a school culture that focuses on the success and health of the whole child. As Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Mr. Schrag looks forward to implementing a collaborative approach through which all stakeholder perspectives will be honored and will contribute to building and executing a shared vision for all of Orinda’s K-8 students.

When asked about his new position, Mr. Schrag expressed his enthusiasm to begin this important work. “I'm greatly honored and excited to be a part of the Orinda Union School District team.” Added Schrag, “Orinda USD represents educational excellence, and I am deeply committed to upholding the District’s and community's high expectations for its schools. I am indebted to the Stanley Middle School community in the Lafayette School District for providing me with the opportunity to work with amazing students, staff, parents, administrators, and community members for the past ten years. I am very proud of our many collective achievements and look forward to implementing what I have learned in my new position.”

The position of Director of Curriculum and Instruction was posted in February following the announcement of revered Orinda USD Director Kathy Marshall’s retirement. An impressive sixty-five candidates submitted applications. Mr. Schrag was one of eight candidates selected to interview before a committee comprised of administrators, teachers, and parents. He emerged as one of the finalists interviewed by the Superintendent and other District leadership. Ultimately, Mr. Schrag was recommended to the Board of Trustees to fill this important vacancy because of his vision for teaching and learning in Orinda schools and his impressive record of innovative, student-centered initiatives in Lafayette.

Jason Kaune, Orinda Union School District’s Board President, stated, “On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Orinda USD, I am delighted to welcome David Schrag to our District. David’s background and experience make him a perfect match for this position. I am confident that he will collaborate with all members of our school community to build upon the lasting legacy of Ms. Kathy Marshall.”

“Several outstanding candidates applied for this position,” stated Dr. Carolyn Seaton, Superintendent. “Mr. Schrag impressed me as an exceptional instructional leader, a colleague who will work extraordinarily well with all employees, and as an educator who always places students first in his decision-making process. He possesses the organizational, communication, and technical skills required to be highly successful as Director of Curriculum and Instruction.”

David Schrag resides in nearby Walnut Creek with his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children.

Image via Orinda Union School District