August 5, 2024 - Livermore, CA - In addition to welcoming a new superintendent this school year, the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) announces two new administrators to the LVJUSD team as well as the promotion of two internal staff members to leadership positions at school sites. “Leadership changes provide opportunities for new perspectives and energy that are important for the growth and continuous improvement of an organization. We are excited for our new administrators to join us in our efforts to serve Livermore students best,” remarked Dr. Torie Gibson, Superintendent of Schools.

Croce Elementary School 

Jennifer Burkholder, who most recently served as the vice principal at Christensen Middle School for three years, has relocated just a few blocks away to lead Croce Elementary as principal. No stranger to Croce, Burkholder began her LVJUSD career there in 2014 as the lead behavior analyst. “I am thrilled to return to Croce and apply my diverse experience as a special education teacher, behaviorist, and vice principal to the strong foundation of student success that exists. My teaching experience has taught me the importance of individualized learning, inclusive practices, and working as a team to meet the unique needs of our students,” expressed Burkholder.

Christensen Middle School

Janine Mains has stepped into the role of vice principal at Christensen Middle School, a position previously held by Burkholder. Having served as LVJUSD’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Director, Mains brings knowledge and support for Christensen’s AVID program which helps to prepare students to be college-ready. “I am excited to join the Christensen team and look forward to supporting all of our students reaching their full potential,” shared Mains. Her added experience as a former elementary and secondary teacher and educational technology instructional coach will benefit both students and staff alike.

Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy

Ashley Sprader, a Granada High alumna, is new to the LVJUSD team and brings 18 years of educational experience to her role as STEAM Magnet Program Coordinator at Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy. Sprader has successfully led award-winning grant initiatives and contributed to various local and county-wide educational committees and programs. Her diverse career also includes roles as a preschool teacher, school counselor, district behaviorist, PBIS Coordinator, and Student Services Coordinator. “Contributing to the growing success of Marylin’s STEAM magnet program is something I look forward to. I am excited to join a team of dedicated staff who share my belief in creating impactful and positive learning environments for all students,” expressed Sprader.

District Office 

Kayla Wasley will officially join the executive leadership team later this month as LVJUSD’s Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. Wasley brings a wealth of fiscal leadership experience from the K-12 sector. Serving as a Chief Business Official (CBO) for school districts since 2015, Wasley’s more than ten years of business leadership also includes her most recent role as the Director of External Business Services for the El Dorado County Office of Education. In her financial leadership positions, Wasley has aided districts in overcoming budgetary challenges; worked collaboratively with educational leaders, school boards, and employee associations on budget priorities; and prioritized transparency and understanding about school finances to both our internal and external communities. “I believe that a key component to fiscal transparency is the ability to communicate complex information in a way that can be easily understood to all educational partners. I look forward to working collaboratively in the best interest of Livermore students,” stated Wasley.

These new administrators, along with district and site leaders, teachers, and support staff will welcome students in grades TK through 12 to the first day of school on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. This shift to an earlier start date to the 2024-25 school year aligns LVJUSD more closely with its neighboring districts and allows for the last day of school to conclude on May 29, 2025. 

Photos courtesy of LVJUSD:

Photo #1: Jennifer Burkholder, Principal of Croce Elementary School

Photo #2: Janine Mains, Vice Principal of Christensen Middle School

Photo #3: Ashley Sprader, STEAM Magnet Program Coordinator, Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy

Photo #4: Kayla Wasley, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, District Office