About Me
For over 25 years, I’ve dedicated myself to public education, driven by the unwavering belief that it is the ‘great equalizer.’ As a Superintendent of Schools, I lead with a vision for academic excellence, equity, and fiscal responsibility, focusing on strategic initiatives and community engagement. My passion lies in closing achievement gaps and ensuring every student has access to the tools they need to succeed, including social-emotional support. I am committed to building bridges—between individuals, ideas, and opportunities—to empower our young scholars and transform ‘impossible’ into achievable reality.
Hobbies & Interests
Education
Travel
Music
Skiing
Reading
Cycling
Education
Music
Reading
Travel
Skiing
Cycling
Contact Information
707-307-3429
damonwright73@gmail.com
damonjwright.com
achievements
Recognitions
- Administrator of the Year UC Davis C-STEM
- High School Principal of the Year ACSA, Region 4
- Administrator of the Year Benicia Unified School District
- Aspiring Administrator of the Year ACSA, Region 3
Professional Affiliations
- American Association of School Administrators (AASA)
- Association of California School Administrators (ACSA)
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
- California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO)
- California Association of African-American Superintendents & Administrators (CAAASA)
EDUCATION
Brandman University, Irvine, CA
Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Dissertation: What Exemplary Urban Superintendents perceive as most important when building trust with and between school board members using the five domains of competence, consistency, concern, candor, and connection.
National University, La Jolla, CA
- Master of Science in School Counseling
- Pupil Personnel Service Credential, School Psychology
- Pupil Personnel Service Credential, School Counseling
California State University Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Preliminary Administrative Service Credential, School
Administration
Association of California School Administrators, Sacramento, CA
- Superintendents Academy (Certificate Program)
- Personnel Administrators Academy (Certificate Program)
- Pupil Services Academy (Certificate Program)
- Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential
(Alternative Clear Credential Program)
California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO), San Diego, CA
- Aspiring CBO BEL Summer Hybrid 2024 Cohort
RESUME
Superintendent
Benicia Unified School District (2022-Present)
- As a results-driven leader, I’ve significantly improved instructional outcomes, achieving top math growth in California while championing literacy and STEAM initiatives. I secured $122.5 million for critical facility upgrades and implemented fiscal strategies that reduced spending by $5.6 million and eliminated deficit spending. I fostered strong community trust through transparent communication and strengthened district governance. My leadership extended countywide, where I played a key role in policy development and special education planning.
Senior Director, Human Resources & Title IX Coordinator
Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District (2019 – 2022)
- I oversaw comprehensive staffing procedures, navigating layoffs and reclassifications while ensuring legal compliance and alignment with district goals. Recruitment strategies were enhanced, resulting in a higher caliber and more diverse staff, including targeted outreach to HBCUs. As Lead Negotiator for the APA, I successfully guided contract negotiations to mutually beneficial outcomes. Thorough employee investigations were conducted, upholding fairness and confidentiality.
Executive Director, Secondary Education
Napa Valley Unified School District (2015 – 2019)
- I led district-wide initiatives in MTSS, health education, grading practices, and science curriculum, driving academic and behavioral improvements. Extracurricular opportunities were expanded through the introduction of lacrosse and the La Promesa partnership, increasing college access for students of color. I managed sensitive employee investigations, UCP, and public records requests, ensuring compliance and transparency. I oversaw the recruitment and hiring of secondary administrators, providing strategic guidance on budget and staffing to optimize resources. I consistently prioritized student success through comprehensive and strategic leadership.
Principal
American Canyon High School, Napa Valley Unified School District (2015 – 2019)
- I have actively fostered student voice and engagement by creating platforms for student participation in decision-making and celebrating their achievements through community events like the American Canyon High School Student Showcase. As a leader in both athletic and academic governance, I developed bylaws, restructured school-wide systems, and launched initiatives to enhance classroom instruction, grading practices, and extracurricular opportunities. Through professional learning opportunities and collaborative efforts, I have strengthened Project-Based Learning, supported innovative programs like robotics, and enhanced parent involvement to drive student success.
Principal
Benicia High School, Benicia Unified School District (2012 – 2015)
- I led targeted intervention efforts for at-risk students while expanding College and Career Readiness programs, including AVID, Naviance, CTE, and a dedicated counseling center. To foster a positive school climate, I implemented attendance initiatives, strengthened PBIS, enforced a closed campus policy, and introduced the Safe School Ambassadors program. Additionally, I advanced 21st-century learning by helping design an Active Learning Space centered on the 5 C’s and enhancing Common Core implementation through professional development and technology integration.
Assistant Principal I & II
California High School, San Ramon Valley Unified School District (2003 – 2012)
- I spearheaded the implementation of an academic enrichment program aimed at closing the gender achievement gap by conducting in-depth research, organizing a targeted curriculum, and establishing key community partnerships. Additionally, I led the creation of the Student Success Team to strengthen Response to Intervention (RTI) efforts, overseeing recruitment, refining processes, and providing strategic team supervision. To further enhance student outcomes, I improved productivity within the Engineering Program by securing grants, refining curriculum, and fostering stronger engagement among students, faculty, and the broader community.
School Psychologist
California High School, San Ramon Valley USD (2003 – 2009)
- Conducted comprehensive psycho-educational evaluations to assess students’ suspected disabilities, providing data-driven recommendations to guide IEP team decisions. Collaborated with stakeholders to integrate assessment findings, ensuring a holistic approach to supporting students with special needs. Developed individualized behavior support plans and social-emotional goals for students requiring counseling, promoting their academic and personal growth. Additionally, advised administrators and staff on state and federal compliance regulations, ensuring legal adherence and best practices in special education.
School Counselor
Hoover High School & Gompers Secondary School, San Diego USD (1999 – 2003)
- Coordinated and administered standardized exams while providing academic guidance and post-high school recommendations. Led Student Study Team meetings in collaboration with educational partners to support student success. Additionally, facilitated student discipline through a positive intervention approach and assisted with emergency response efforts.
Needs Assessment & Referrals Coordinator
Alvarado Parkway Institute (1999 – 2003)
- Conducted comprehensive psychological assessments for high-risk clients, providing provisional diagnoses and recommending appropriate treatment programs. Effectively de-escalated suicidal patients on crisis lines, collaborating with psychiatrists, managed-care providers, and hospital staff to ensure accurate placement and continuity of care. Led the intake process by managing bed availability, overseeing paperwork completion, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
Correctional Deputy Probation Officer I & II
San Diego County Probation Department (1997 – 1999)
- Assisted facility supervisors in designing a specialized rehabilitation program for disruptive detainees, balancing institutional safety with effective intervention strategies. Ensured a secure environment through routine welfare checks and de-escalation practices. Supervised and trained unit staff on policies and procedures while managing 18-man work crews across San Diego County. Additionally, instructed a Substance Abuse Education course for inmates with alcohol or drug-related offenses, providing critical support for rehabilitation and recovery.