Dr. Denise Wickham, Ceres Unified School District’s superintendent, has been named by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) as its “Exemplary Woman of the Year” for the entire state.
The announcement was made on Friday.
“ACSA sent me an email a little over a week ago,” Dr. Wickham said. “I didn’t even know that I had been nominated, so it was quite a shock to hear that I had been selected for this honor. It’s humbling, and a little overwhelming, to join the ranks of incredible leaders throughout California who have been named Exemplary Women in Education.”
Dr. Wickham has been recognized by the Association of California School Administrators before.
“It’s not the first time Dr. Wickham’s put Ceres on the map as a state-wide honoree,” said Beth Jimenez, communications specialist for CUSD, “but this one is pretty special. ACSA confirmed what we already knew. Dr. Wickham is a stellar leader, not just among women. She’s a phenomenal superintendent. She always puts the needs of students first. It’s so exciting to see her receive this honor.”
Dr. Wickham will be presented the prestigious award at the ACSA Women in School Leadership Forum next month in Orange County.
“This award really is a Ceres Unified award,” she said. “It’s a reflection of the amazing team that makes our schools places where students can shine their brightest and achieve their best. That team includes our remarkable Board of Trustees who provide a foundation and direction for the district and afford me the confidence and trust to lead in my own way. It’s our 2,000 staff members who are on the front lines serving students with excellence every day. It’s our Ceres families and community who believe in the power of education to transform lives. This award represents what a special district and community I have the privilege of serving.”
“It is also a reflection of the influence of the dedicated, visionary educators and mentors who have supported my 34-year career in education,” Dr. Wickham added. “My path could have been very different without them.”
Dr. Wickham won ACSA’s Region 7 “Bill Ullom Memorial Award” in 2016.
She was presented ACSA’s Ray Curry Award in 2013.
She was selected ACSA’s Region 7 “Central Office Administrator of the Year” in 2011.
She was ACSA’s Region 7 “Elementary Principal of the Year” in 2003 when she worked for Riverbank Unified School District.
Dr. Wickham was named 2019 “Educator of the Year” by the Portuguese Education Foundation of Central California.
Dr. Wickham started working for CUSD in 2005 and previously served in the Educational Services and Personnel Services divisions prior to becoming Deputy Superintendent of Personnel Services in 2013.
“It really is an amazing place to be,” she said. “I believe it’s the best district in the state.”
Dr. Wickham was promoted to superintendent of CUSD in 2021-22.
She had 10 months to transition into the top position while she was mentored by predecessor Scott Siegel.
“Denise has been instrumental in navigating some of CUSD’s most significant moments,” Siegel said. “From the budget turmoil of a decade ago, to the rapid expansion of programs made possible by the Local Control Funding Formula, to the current shift to distance learning, she has led with integrity and a willingness to make difficult decisions that prioritize students’ needs.”
“Being a superintendent is the most rewarding and the most challenging position I’ve held,” Dr. Wickham said. “The landscape of the position is constantly evolving, from navigating the challenges of educating students during the COVID-19 pandemic to keeping up with potentially divisive legislation affecting education, planning for the budgetary challenges related to declining enrollment, and making staff decisions that value employees while prioritizing student outcomes. Probably the greatest challenge is the 24-7 nature of the position. I’m really never off the clock, which can make it challenging to have quality family time.
Most rewarding are the times when I get to interact with students and staff when visiting classrooms and at school events. The opportunity to positively influence students’ lives is the reason I became an educator, so having a chance to see the impact of my decisions on their learning and wellbeing is fun. Building positive relationships with families and community members is also extremely satisfying, as it fosters a sense of unity and support. I’m extremely fortunate to have a job that, even after 34 years, still fills my bucket every day.”
Dr. Wickham is also an active volunteer in the Ceres community. She is a member and past president of Soroptimist International of Ceres, holding seats on the service club’s board, Women of Distinction Committee, and Girl of the Month Committee. She regularly leads Soroptimist service projects and is a frequent presenter.
Dr. Wickham is also a member of the Ceres Community Collaborative, which works to connect Ceres residents with needed community resources, and is a mentor and presenter for the CUSD Ag Mentor program, which prepares students for careers related to agriculture.
Courier Managing Editor Jeff Benziger contributed to this report.
