The Brentwood Union School District is proud to announce that six district leaders have been selected as Administrators of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators Delta Region.
Superintendent Dana Eaton shared, “I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside such dedicated, talented, and student centered leaders, and I am proud to recognize their well deserved accomplishments.”
Secondary Principal of the Year – Angela Mullen, Principal, Harvest Grove Virtual Academy Angela Mullen joined BUSD in 2021 as a Teacher on Special Assignment, leading the Intervention Program at Krey Elementary. In 2023, she was promoted to Vice Principal at Krey and Marsh Creek Elementary Schools and later became Principal of Harvest Grove Virtual Academy in 2024. Angela began her teaching career in 2004 out of state and brings more than two decades of educational experience to her leadership. Her commitment to innovation, student support, and instructional excellence continues to strengthen our district.
Confidential Employee of the Year – Emily Cooper, Recruitment Specialist, Human Resources Emily Cooper joined BUSD in December 2021 as a Secretary II in Human Resources and was promoted to Employee Recruitment Specialist in January 2023. In her current role, she coordinates recruitment and onboarding for certificated and classified staff, ensuring clear communication and a positive experience for applicants and school sites. Prior to BUSD, Emily served as Principal Secretary at Heritage High School in the Liberty Union High School District. Her organization, consistency, and professionalism have significantly strengthened BUSD’s recruitment processes. Emily was also selected for future consideration as a Region 6 Award recipient representing Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
Elementary Co Principal of the Year – Julie France, Vice Principal, Ron Nunn Elementary Julie France began her career with BUSD in 2002 as a teacher at Loma Vista Elementary and later taught at Pioneer Elementary. She was promoted to Vice Principal at Ron Nunn Elementary in 2023. Prior to joining BUSD, Julie taught in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. Her deep instructional background, familiarity with district systems, and ongoing commitment to students and staff positively impact the Ron Nunn school community. Julie was also selected for future consideration as a Region 6 Award recipient.
Elementary Principal of the Year – Allison Martin, Principal, Garin Elementary
Allison Martin began her BUSD career in 2002 as a teacher at Pioneer Elementary. She previously worked as a preschool and kindergarten teacher before transitioning into an instructional coaching role as a Teacher on Special Assignment in 2015. In 2017, she was promoted to Vice Principal at Pioneer Elementary and, in 2022, became Principal of Garin Elementary School. Allison’s experience across early learning, classroom instruction, instructional coaching, and site leadership informs her thoughtful and effective support of students, staff, and families.
Special Education Administrator of the Year – Justine Melendez, Director of Special Education
Justine Melendez joined BUSD in 2023 as Director of Special Education. Prior to BUSD, she served with the Contra Costa SELPA as both a Program Specialist and Program Coordinator, supporting districts with compliance, staff training, and program improvement. Earlier in her career, Justine spent nine years as a Special Day Class teacher and also worked as a general education teacher, giving her a comprehensive understanding of student needs and effective instructional collaboration. Her leadership continues to strengthen services for students with disabilities across the district. Justine was also selected for future consideration as a Region 6 Award recipient.
Secondary Co Principal of the Year – Kara Ravina, Vice Principal, Bristow Middle School Kara Ravina joined BUSD in July 2022 as Vice Principal at Bristow Middle School. Prior to BUSD, she served as a vice principal in the Mount Diablo Unified School District and taught music in the Acalanes Union High School District and Albany Unified School District. Kara supports schoolwide operations, student services, and instructional programs, bringing a strong blend of classroom experience and site leadership to her work.
A regional dinner honoring all award recipients will be held on March 5.
