Superintendents' Executive Council

About the Council

The CASCWA Superintendents Executive Council is a statewide advisory body designed to strengthen the connection between CASCWA and California superintendents. The Council offers a forum for high-level collaboration focused on student attendance, well-being, and systemic solutions to barriers in education.

Purpose & Objectives

Foster collaboration between superintendents/aspiring superintendents and CASCWA leadership
Elevate district executive leadership perspectives to inform CASCWA’s strategic priorities
Identify and scale effective practices to reduce chronic absenteeism and support student success
Inform policy, funding, and legislative efforts impacting pupil services

Membership

Comprised of Superintendents and Executive Leaders from diverse school districts and the privae sector. Invitation-based; selected by CASCWA leadership for their impact and alignment with our mission.

COUNCIL MEMBERS

Erica Peterson

Chairperson, CASCWA Executive Director

Erica Peterson

Chairperson CASCWA Executive Director

Erica Peterson serves as State Director of the California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare & Attendance (CASCWA) and Chairperson of the Superintendents’ Executive Council. She brings extensive experience in statewide leadership, strategic partnerships, and advancing systems that support student attendance, engagement, and well-being. Erica is committed to elevating the field and driving collaborative solutions that improve outcomes for California’s most vulnerable students.

Dr. Don English, Ed.D.

Immediate Past President
Director, San Bernardino CSOS

Dr. Don English, Ed.D.

Immediate Past President
Director, San Bernardino CSOS

Dr. Don English serves as Director of Children Deserve Success at the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and is the Immediate Past President of CASCWA. A respected statewide leader, he brings deep expertise in student services, equity, and systems that support vulnerable youth. Dr. English contributes strategic insight and a strong commitment to student-centered outcomes through his role on the CASCWA Superintendents’ Executive Council.

Dr. Dennis Wiechmann

Superintendent, Sanger USD

Dr. Dennis Wiechmann

Superintendent, Sanger USD

Dr. Dennis Wiechmann serves as Superintendent of Sanger Unified School District, where he leads with a focus on student achievement, equity, and strong community partnerships. With a deep commitment to supporting the whole child, he has championed initiatives that promote student engagement, well-being, and academic success. Dr. Wiechmann brings an inclusive, student-centered perspective to the CASCWA Superintendents’ Executive Council.

Dr. Gary Wadell

Superintendent Ret, Santa Clara USD

Dr. Gary Wadell

Superintendent Ret, Santa Clara USD

Dr. Gary Waddell, retired Superintendent of Santa Clara Unified School District, dedicated over four decades to serving students as a counselor, administrator, and district leader. He is known for his belief in public education as a unifying force and for advancing initiatives that promote kindness, equity, and student belonging. As a member of the CASCWA Superintendents’ Executive Council, he contributes a thoughtful and experienced voice grounded in purpose and impact.

Emily Bailard

CEO, EveryDay Labs

Emily Bailard

CEO, EveryDay Labs

Emily Bailard is CEO of EveryDay Labs, where she leads efforts to improve student outcomes by increasing attendance through the application of behavioral science. With a background in scaling behavior change through data science at organizations such as Opower and IDEO, she brings a unique, evidence-based perspective to education. Bailard contributes this expertise to the CASCWA Superintendents’ Executive Council to advance data-informed, student-centered solutions.

Sherman Garnett

Legislative Representative

Board Trustee, Upland USD

Sherman Garnett

Legislative Representative

Board Trustee, Upland USD

Sherman Garnett is CASCWA’s Legislative Representative and a Board Trustee for Upland Unified School District, with a career spanning more than four decades in education. He is known for his commitment to public service and his ability to connect policy with practice to better support students and communities. As a member of the CASCWA Superintendents’ Executive Council, he offers a trusted voice on legislative and governance matters.

Barrett Snider

Partner, Capital Advisors Group

Barrett Snider

Partner, Capital Advisors Group

Barrett Snider is a founding partner of Capitol Advisors Group, where he leads government relations strategy with more than 25 years of experience in California politics. He brings deep expertise in education policy, state budget and school finance, and advocacy, representing school agencies, associations, and organizations statewide. Snider contributes strategic legislative insight to the CASCWA Superintendents’ Executive Council, supporting effective, student-centered policy solutions.

Khi Jackson

Executive Director, RAPSA

Senior Director of Government Affairs, Ball Frost/Group

Khi Jackson

Executive Director, RAPSA

Senior Director of Government Affairs, Ball Frost/Group

Khieem (Khi) Jackson serves as Executive Director of RAPSA and Senior Director of Government Affairs at Ball Frost Group, with a career dedicated to advancing education policy and increasing investments in schools. Drawing on experience across the U.S. Marine Corps, Department of Defense, California Department of Education, and local school systems, he brings a mission-driven approach to improving outcomes for students, including those from military families. Jackson contributes a principled, strategic voice to the CASCWA Superintendents’ Executive Council.

Randy Graham

Vice President, RaaWeeK12

Randy Graham

Vice President, RaaWeeK12

Randy Graham serves as Vice President of RaaWeeK12, where he supports school districts in strengthening communication and engagement with students and families. With a focus on innovative solutions and partnership-driven work, he helps advance systems that improve attendance and student outcomes. Graham brings a collaborative, solutions-oriented perspective to the CASCWA Superintendents’ Executive Council.

Susan Cook

Chief Operations Officer Ret, SI&A

Susan Cook

Chief Operations Officer Ret, SI&A

Susan Cook is the retired Chief Operations Officer of School Innovations & Achievement (SI&A), where she led operational strategy and supported statewide efforts to improve student engagement and attendance. With extensive experience in systems improvement and organizational leadership, she brings a strong focus on efficiency, impact, and service. Cook contributes a seasoned, solutions-oriented perspective to the CASCWA Superintendents’ Executive Council.

Dr. Nancy Dome

Founder, Epoch Education

Dr. Nancy Dome

Founder, Epoch Education

Dr. Nancy Dome is the Founder of Epoch Education, where she partners with schools and districts to advance equity-centered practices and inclusive school cultures. A nationally recognized leader in equity, she brings deep expertise in transformative leadership, professional learning, and student-centered systems change. Dr. Dome contributes a powerful, equity-driven perspective to the CASCWA Superintendents’ Executive Council.

Christina Marcellus

Legislative Advocate, Capital Advisors Group

Christina Marcellus

Legislative Advocate, Capital Advisors Group

Christina Marcellus brings a background in political communications and education policy, with experience spanning statewide campaigns, government offices, and education associations. She is known for her ability to translate complex issues into clear, effective messaging and to build strong connections with stakeholders. As a member of the CASCWA Superintendents’ Executive Council, she offers a thoughtful, strategic voice grounded in communication and outreach.