SAN DIEGO, CA – The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) is proud to announce eight new leaders. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise, and a shared commitment to student success and educational excellence.
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Executive Director, Special Education - Heather Schauder Heather Schauder has been appointed following her service as Director II of Special Education with the Poway Unified School District. With over 25 years of experience, including time as a Program Specialist and School Psychologist, she holds a Master of Education in School Psychology from the University of Massachusetts and a Bachelor of Science in Clinical and Developmental Psychology from Suffolk University. Schauder is recognized for advancing innovative practices, ensuring program excellence, and maintaining state and federal compliance in special education services for students with disabilities from preschool through post–high school. |
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Director of Attendance and Student Engagement - Jessica Pineda Jessica Pineda most recently served as Principal of Sunset Hills Elementary School and brings more than 14 years of experience in education, including roles as teacher, instructional facilitator, assistant principal, and principal. She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Science with a Minor in English from San Diego State University. Known for her strategic planning and collaborative leadership, Pineda has led significant improvements in teaching practices and student outcomes across both primary and secondary schools. |
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Director of Payroll - Rebecca Perez Rebecca Perez joins the leadership team from her role as Payroll Manager at San Marcos Unified School District, where she oversaw payroll for more than 3,000 employees. With over 15 years of experience in accounting, banking, employee services, and payroll management, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Ashford University. Perez is highly skilled in resolving complex payroll discrepancies and has successfully led digital implementations of timekeeping and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. |
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Director of the Personnel Commission - Amy Molina Amy Molina has served as Director of Classified Personnel for the Escondido Union School District since 2014 and brings more than two decades of experience, including expertise in merit systems. Prior to her tenure in Escondido she served as Director of Classified Personnel in the Carlsbad Unified School District for four years. Lawton earned her Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from California State University, San Bernardino, and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the State University of New York. In 2024 Molina was recognized with the California School Personnel Commissioners Association’s Annual Innovation Award. |
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Director of Preschool and Before and After School Programs - Melvetta Owens Melvetta Owens has been the Director of Early Childhood Education for the Lemon Grove School District since 2016 and brings over 30 years of experience in education. Her career has included roles as teacher, principal, and program manager. Owens earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Michigan State University. She is a seasoned leader in early childhood and multi-site program management, dedicated to equitable outcomes for all students. |
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Elementary Principal, Sunset Hills Elementary School - Krystal Soto Krystal Soto has been Assistant Principal at Bernardo Heights Middle School and brings more than 24 years of experience in education. She earned a Master of Science in Higher Educational Administration from National University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from San Diego State University. During Soto’s time at Bernardo Heights, the school was recognized as a Poway Unified School District’s Inclusive Practices School of Excellence in 2024. |
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Assistant Director of Preschool and Before and After School Programs - Jeremy Martin Jeremy Martin comes from his role as Career Education Specialist in the Career Technical Education Department at Poway Unified School District. With more than 14 years of experience in education, he holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from the University of Delaware. Martin is a long-time educator committed to providing the best possible educational experiences for all students. |
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Assistant Director of Attendance and Student Engagement - Ryan Gallego Ryan Gallego most recently served as Assistant Principal at San Marcos Middle School and brings over 22 years of experience in education. His background includes roles as teacher and English Learner Coordinator. Gallego holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Concordia University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science from San Diego State University. He is passionate about supporting students through restorative practices. |