Antioch School District Appoints Dr. Darnise Williams as Superintendent

Antioch, Calif. — Following a rigorous national search that attracted more than 31 accomplished educational leaders, the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) Board of Education is proud to announce the selection of Dr. Darnise R. Williams as the District’s next Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Williams was chosen through a thorough and inclusive process that involved stakeholder engagement, performance-based interviews, and a comprehensive background check.

With over three decades of dedicated service in California’s public education system, Dr. Williams has established herself as a leader with a student-centered approach and a knack for building systems that support all learners. Her journey has seen her excel at every level of education, from classroom teacher to site leader, district executive, and most recently, superintendent. Her belief in the transformative power of public education has always been her guiding light.

Dr. Williams’ career is marked by the successful launch of initiatives that have significantly increased access, enhanced instructional quality, and elevated support for historically disadvantaged students. Her leadership in the Pacifica School District saw the development of a multi-year fiscal stability plan and the successful voter approval for a local parcel tax to support programs. She also spearheaded the funding and groundbreaking of a workforce housing project, a move intended to improve teacher recruitment and retention.

Dr. Williams’ efforts have not gone unnoticed. She has secured state and federal grants for Strong Workforce, Career Technical Education (CTE), and early literacy, expanding opportunities for students to discover their strengths, explore future careers, and excel academically. The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), Region 16, previously recognized her contributions and she was awarded the Curriculum Administrator of the Year title. Her reputation as a thoughtful, solutions-oriented leader is respected statewide.

“I am deeply honored to serve as the next Superintendent of Antioch Unified,” said Dr. Williams. “I believe in the brilliance and potential of every child—and I’m committed to working alongside our students, educators, families, and community to continue building schools where students are seen, supported, and inspired every day.” A proud product of Los Angeles public schools. Williams earned her high school diploma from Crenshaw High School, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills and a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. Her leadership is rooted in experience, compassion, and a steadfast focus on student achievement, student voice and well-being.

Board of Education Welcomes a Leader with Heart and Vision
Statement from Antonio Hernandez, Board President

Dr. Williams emerged as the clear and compelling choice in a pool of highly qualified candidates. She brings the vision, integrity, and calm strength needed to guide Antioch into its next chapter of growth and transformation. Her leadership is both strategic and deeply human—grounded in a commitment to see every student for their academic potential and their whole story. Dr. Williams’ focus on foster youth, students with special needs, and multilingual learners aligns powerfully with the heart of our District’s mission. She brings a rare combination of technical expertise, inclusive instructional knowledge, and the ability to listen with empathy and act with decisive clarity. We believe her leadership will leave a lasting, positive imprint on our schools, students, and the broader Antioch community.

Dr. Williams will officially begin her role as Superintendent of Antioch Unified School District on July 1, 2025. Please click here to access Dr. Williams’ bio.

Bio: Dr. Darnise R. Williams

Student-Centered Superintendent | Transformational Leader | Systems Thinker

Dr. Darnise R. Williams is a seasoned public education leader with over 30 years of experience as a teacher, principal, instructional administrator, and superintendent. She is known for creating inclusive, student-centered systems that improve outcomes for all learners while honoring the unique strengths of each school community.

Dr. Williams has been a pioneering leader in several districts, drawing on her personal and professional experiences that resonate with the communities she serves. As a trailblazer in public education leadership, she navigates complex challenges with clarity, integrity, and a strong belief in every student’s potential.

She is the architect of the Humanizing Education for Equitable Transformation (HEET) initiative and co-implementor of the Racial Equity Leadership Academy in partnership with the University of Southern California. Both are focused on creating school environments where every student feels seen, heard, and supported.

Dr. Williams has worked across many school systems—from large urban districts to smaller, community-rooted settings—supporting diverse student populations, including multilingual learners, foster youth, students experiencing homelessness, and students receiving special education services. She brings deep expertise in instructional improvement, professional development, strategic planning, and sustainable budgeting. She has secured competitive grants, passed parcel taxes and bonds, and helped launch workforce housing initiatives to address staff retention and community stability.

Her leadership style emphasizes building strong teams, fostering authentic communication, and creating systems that support the whole child. She prioritizes shared visioning with families, staff, and community partners—ensuring that decisions are informed by those closest to the work.

Dr. Williams is a former instructor at USC’s Master of Arts in Teaching program and a past ACSA Region 16 honoree. Her leadership is defined not just by innovation but by integrity—and by a core belief:

“The true measure of leadership is not how loudly you speak, but how boldly you serve— and how deeply others are empowered because you led.”

Editors note

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