AUSD Hires Dr. Darnise Williams as Next Superintendent

The Antioch Unified School District announced out of closed session it would be hiring Dr. Darnise Williams as its next superintendent.

Although announced out of closed session, with only a contract available in the back of the room, the board voted on her hire less than 30-minutes later on Item 7 on the agenda. The transparency of the District has been called into question as the announcement would be made in closed session, and after that, the contract would be made available in the room only. And voted on less than an hour later.

Williams had served as superintendent of the Sequoia Union High School District for approximately one year –ending in December 2022 when she stepped down.

By May 2023, Williams was named Pacifica School District superintendent. Several months later, Williams was implicated in an LAUSD Extra-Pay Scandal. According to the LA Times, Williams received extra pay totaling $78,051 above her salary over a three-year period. As a result of the investigation, Williams was demoted from her role as a senior director in the office of Superintendent.

According to Board President Antonio Hernandez, he called it an extensive process to get to this point and was happy to select Dr. Williams. She has over 30 years of experience as a teacher, principal, instructional administrator and superintendent. He called her a pioneer leader in several district and trailblazer in education.

He also shared, she was the architect of the humanizing education for equitable transformation and co-implementor of the racial equity leadership academy with the university of Southern California.

According to the contract, Williams contract term will be between July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028. She would be paid $353,045 annually working 225 days. She will also reimbursed no more than $12k if she moves into the district. She will be provided a cell phone and will earn a $300 automobile allowance for business related travel.

Trustee Mary Rocha said she would be voting no on the candidate citing she had some reservations.

Trustee Jag Lathan said she was impressed by her resume, experience and impact she has had as a leader in other districts—between teacher, principal and superintendent. She said she had the characteristics they were looking for. She said she will bring everyone together.

Hernandez said he was excited about what was to come for the school district. He also called it a cause for celebration for the District.

The board voted 3-1 with Rocha against. Trustee Olga Cobos-Smith was absent.

Williams was in attendance and spoke after being approved by the board,

“I just want to say I am excited. I am super excited to be your finalists and your superintendent as of July 1, 2025. I come with years of experience, not only experience, but I come on the shoulders of the people who are behind me, my family. And, who are residents of Antioch. So it is not that I am unfamiliar with the community. It is not that I am unfamiliar with naysayers, its not that I am unfamiliar with children, I have my daughter here, who is here to support me. It is very important that she understands resilience. It is very important that she understands what it means to come into a community, excited and thrilled about what you can do together to uplift and support all kids no matter what their background is, no if they are multilingual no matter what they bring to the table. They bring a shear desire to learn and be successful and you have my commitment that I will work until the work can no longer be done to make sure I fulfill the promise of Antioch Unified School District. Not only for all of you, but for the kids. But most importantly for my own family that I stand on their shoulders in this community to make sure to make sure we are all united and successful together. Thank you.”

In public comments, Allen Payton spoke about the process and lack of transparency.

“I am very surprised at the process and the way you are handling this process of appointing and hiring a superintendent. What is the rush? What is the rush of pushing this through without first letting the media know who this person is, letting the public know who this person is. Have a chance to research. Know their background so we can provide educated input to you so you should or shouldn’t vote for them,” stated Payton. “I didn’t know the persons name until tonight. No one did. You all did this in closed session. You did this behind closed doors.”

Payton suggested the proper way would let the public know who the candidate is and have some public meetings—especially given her background and controversy.

“This should be halted tonight, the fact you already made a motion and seconded before you even had public comments. That is a violation in normal process,” explained Payton. “Do things right and do things the right way.”

He called it not an appropriate vote and should be postponed until the next meeting.

With the approval of Williams, this will be the 4th superintendent of the District in less than 1-year.