Dr. Lillian Maldonado French Announces Retirement

Dr. Lillian Maldonado French Announces Retirement
Posted on 11/18/2021

Mountain View School District Superintendent, Dr. Lillian Maldonado French announced her plan to retire at the end of December.  Dr. French has served as MVSD’s Superintendent for 12 ½ years, providing tremendous leadership, service and an unwavering commitment to the students.


This was a very hard decision to make as I love serving our Mountain View students, families, and community, and truly love leading Mountain View’s outstanding team of employees, but at this time the needs of my family require my full attention.”

Dr. French’s retirement will conclude a 37-year career in education, including 19 years with Santa Ana Unified School District as a Bilingual Teacher, Principal, and Director of Curriculum/ Staff Development, six years with Los Nietos School District as Director of Instructional Services, Assessment and Special Projects and Superintendent, and capping off her career with over a decade of service in MVSD.

In addition to putting the needs of students first, and leading the District through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic and school closures, throughout her superintendency she has worked diligently to bring effective community and business partnerships to Mountain View, enabling students and families to find connections to systems for success through gateways to culture, academic exposure, university connections, funding for post-secondary education, rigorous academics and appropriate interventions. Under her leadership, MVSD has received national and statewide recognition as a model district in parent/family engagement, nutrition, health and wellness, and summer enrichment.  During her tenure the District implemented a strong college bound culture, Spanish Dual Immersion Programs, a Mandarin Enrichment Program, Transitional Kindergarten and a comprehensive preschool program.  Dr. French’s MVSD legacy also includes the passage of the District’s first bond measures and the opening of the Mountain View Family Center, completing a six-year vision to provide the community with a central place to go for educational, recreational, and fun activities, as well as resources and services.

In 2018 she was recognized by the Los Angeles County Office of Education as the Los Angeles County Superintendent of the Year for her leadership for learning, excellence in communication, professionalism and dedicated community involvement and in 2015 she was honored with the Summer Matters Superhero Award by the California Department of Education’s Summer Matters campaign.

“Mountain View School District has thrived under Dr. French’s leadership,” said Board of Education Vice President, Adam Carranza.  “Every decision she makes has always been based on what is in the best interest of our students.  Since she joined the District in 2009, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year she has worked non-stop for our students and her dedication and service is appreciated and will be missed.”     


“During my time in Mountain View I have had the privilege to work with a supportive Board of Education whose connection and dedication to our students and families is steadfast, a hard-working and student-centered administrative team, and a dedicated, collaborative group of teachers and classified staff who make a difference every day,” said Dr. French.  “It has been my honor to work alongside these caring educators and professionals who continue to rise to every challenge, making sure our students have everything they need to achieve and thrive.  I truly appreciate the amount of learning and growing we have accomplished together these past 12 ½ years. Mountain View is an amazing place and will forever hold a very special place in my heart.”


At a Special Board meeting on November 17, the Board of Education announced that it is moving forward with contract discussions with Raymond Andry as the District’s new Superintendent.  Mr. Andry has been an educator for over 25 years, the last 12 years serving as a vital member of the MVSD team, providing exceptional leadership as an administrator.  He joined the District in 2009 as the Principal of Kranz Intermediate School where he served for five years and for the past seven years he has led the Educational Services Department as Assistant Superintendent.  

    

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