School Board Appoints New Kolb and Dougherty Elementary Principals

On Thursday, the Dublin Unified School District Board of Trustees convened for a specific purpose. As is normal with most school districts, leadership changes frequently occur during the summer – when school is not in session. Previous Kolb Elementary School Principal Lynn Medici recently accepted a position as of Director of Educational (Elementary) Services within DUSD. Dougherty Principal Catherine Mikes-Ward accepted a Middle School Principal position in Hillsborough.

These changes created vital openings at two of our newer elementary schools. At the board meeting, Assistant Superintendent Val Williams explained the search process. The vacancies were posted to the district website and applications were solicited from interested candidates. At the same time a committee consisting of district staff, administration and parents of the affected sites was assembled. After a first pass of interviews, the top-tier candidates were invited back for a second round. Subsequently, a sit down meeting was established with Superintendent Hanke and his executive staff. Thursday evening, two candidates were presented for appointment to the board of trustees. Both candidates were approved by unanimous vote.

Nicole Williams Browning is the new Principal at Kolb Elementary School. Nicole attained a B.A in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. Subsequently she attained both a Masters in English and a M.S. in Educational Leadership from California State University, East Bay. Ms. Browning has held numerous teaching and leadership positions, most recently as Principal at Lincoln Middle School in Alameda starting in 2009. Prior to entering administration, Mrs.
Williams Browning taught high school English in Alameda and Fremont School Districts. Mrs. Williams Browning will begin in her new position in August, 2012.

Brett Nelson is the new Principal at Dougherty Elementary School. Mr. Nelson attained a B.S. in Social Science from Sacramento State University. Subsequently, he earned a Masters in Educational Administration from National University. Like Nicole, he has served in several classroom and administrative positions. Mr. Nelson arrives at Dougherty after four years as Principal at Warm Springs Elementary School in Fremont. Mr. Nelson previously taught high school history in Fremont. Mr. Nelson will begin in his new position in August, 2012.

OneDublin.org would like to welcome both new Principals to our district and community.