The Santa Clara Unified Board of Trustees on a 6–0 vote appointed Dr. Damon Wright as the district's next superintendent effective July 1, 2025, and approved his employment agreement covering roughly four years through June 30, 2029.

The appointment capped a national search led by executive search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates that drew 42 complete applications and a multi-stage screening process. Board president Bonnie Lieberman said the district gathered input from more than 2,000 parents, staff and community members as part of the search that produced seven semifinalists and three finalists.

Under an oral summary read into the record pursuant to government code guidance, the contract sets an annual base salary of $370,000. The agreement allows an annual bonus of up to 8 percent following a satisfactory evaluation; an annual base increase of 2 percent or the cost-of-living increase, whichever is lesser; degree increments for a master's and doctorate; and a one-time relocation reimbursement of up to $20,000 with receipts required. The contract also specifies 225 workdays per year, accrual of 12 sick days annually and district-provided health and technology benefits.

Trustee Ryan moved to approve the appointment and Trustee Muirhead seconded the motion. The roll-call vote was recorded as follows: Trustee Canova — yes; Trustee Fairchild — yes; Trustee Muirhead — yes; Trustee Ryan — yes; Trustee Watanabe — yes; Student Trustee Wren Brown — yes. Trustee Rodman was absent.

Board members offered brief remarks after the vote, thanking the search consultants and expressing support for Wright. Trustee Muirhead said she was “so excited for this.” Trustee Canova noted Wright’s attention to the district’s history and expressed confidence in his leadership. President Lieberman and other trustees praised the search process and the finalists the consultants had recruited.

Dr. Damon Wright, introduced as currently the superintendent of Benicia Unified School District, addressed the community after his appointment. He thanked the board and community, referred to the responsibility of the role and said, “I promise you, I won't let you down.” He closed his brief remarks to the board with the pledge, “Students first. Always.”

The board also completed a separate vote approving the formal employment agreement for the superintendent with the compensation and term details summarized on the record.

The board scheduled a brief reception and photo opportunity after the meeting, where board members and district staff welcomed Dr. Wright and his family.

Why it matters: The appointment installs the district’s chief executive with a multiyear contract that defines pay, benefits and performance incentives and starts a formal transition from outgoing superintendent Gary Waddell to Dr. Wright in July 2025.