The Antioch Unified School District Board of Education appoints Interim Superintendent, Dr. Matt Wayne and engages McPherson & Jacobson to conduct a search for a permanent superintendent.
Antioch Unified School District Board of Education Names Dr. Matt Wayne Interim Superintendent
Antioch, CA – The Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) Board of Education has appointed Dr. Matt Wayne as Interim Superintendent for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year. Dr. Wayne brings decades of experience in education, having most recently served as the Superintendent of the San Francisco Unified and Hayward Unified School Districts. He is an educational leader dedicated to fostering student success and equity.
"We are excited to have an experienced leader like Dr. Wayne join AUSD during this time of transition," said Board President Antonio Hernandez. "His track record of improving student achievement and leading through complex challenges will provide stability and vision as we continue our work to serve the students and families of Antioch." Dr. Wayne will begin as Interim Superintendent full-time starting Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
As AUSD moves forward, the district has partnered with McPherson & Jacobson, a nationally recognized education search firm, to conduct a comprehensive search for the next permanent superintendent. This process will include engagement with community stakeholders to ensure that the district's next leader aligns with the needs and priorities of Antioch students, staff, and families.
The Board of Education also extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Robert Martinez for his dedicated service as Acting Superintendent. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the district through this transition, and AUSD is grateful for his contributions.
For more information, please visit Antioch Unified School District.
Dr. Wayne has over twenty-seven years of experience developing systems to improve student outcomes, particularly for underserved students. He has a track record of achieving meaningful results for students at every level, from the classroom to leading a district serving nearly 50,000 students. Dr. Wayne most recently served as the Superintendent of the San Francisco Unified and Hayward Unified school districts. In both districts he led significant advancements in student achievement and district operations. He spearheaded efforts that led to notable improvements in student outcomes, including enhancing early literacy achievement for African-American students and reducing chronic absenteeism. Additionally, he played a critical role in each district by addressing critical operational issues, advancing a renewed focus on academic excellence, and expanding student and family support systems through a community schools approach.
Dr. Wayne began his career as an English Language Arts teacher in 1997 at The Riis Upper School at PS 126 in New York City. He later worked as an assistant principal and an elementary principal in West Contra Costa USD in San Pablo, CA, before becoming Executive Director in SFUSD in 2010. In 2012 Dr. Wayne joined the Hayward Unified School District as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services before becoming Superintendent in 2016. Dr. Wayne has been recognized for his leadership in education, earning ACSA's Region 6 Superintendent of the Year award and a Superintendent Leadership Award from the Coalition for Community Schools.
Dr. Wayne earned his undergraduate degree in Rhetoric and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from UC Berkeley. He also holds a Master of Arts in English Education and a Master of Education in Public School Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Wayne is fluent in Spanish.