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Cathy Nichols-Washer smiles after being named the new superintendent of the Lodi Unified School District. (Dan Evans/News-Sentinel)

New superintendent, Cathy Nichols-Washer, aims to raise academic standards of district

By Natalie Flynn
Special to the News-Sentinel
Updated: Wednesday, July 2, 2008 11:00 AM PDT
Comments (40 comment(s))

Cathy Nichols-Washer is focused and ready to close the gap.

Nichols-Washer, who was unanimously voted in as the new superintendent by the Lodi Unified School District Board of Education on Tuesday evening, hopes she can help close the academic achievement gap Lodi Unified is currently battling.

"Focus of course, is student achievement, that's number one," Nichols-Washer said.

The board has been looking for a superintendent since January and was pleased as well as confident that Nichols-Washer will achieve her goals for the district.

"After going through an arduous (application process) we are confident we made the best possible decision," said Ken Davis, Lodi Unified Board president. "(Nichols-Washer) will lead this district into the future."

So, what brought the former Manteca Unified School District top administrator to Lodi?

"Lodi Unified has an excellent reputation (for) being a strong learning environment," Nichols-Washer said. "For me, it's an honor to be part of that."

And, she plans to get right into that environment by visiting all the district's schools and talking with administration and students as soon as possible.

As the board welcomed Nichols-Washer to the district, they also said goodbye to a longtime friend and administrator, Len Casenega, interim superintendent.

Cathy Nichols-Washer at a glance

Age: 45.

Family: Husband, Brent Washer, sales representative for Western Tool Supply; daughter, Jessica Nichols, 14; and stepchildren, Amber Washer, 1, and Craig Washer, 7.

Hobbies: Shopping and spending time with family.

Goal for Lodi Unified: Work with the community and improve student achievement.

"Len, you have some big shoes to be filled, but now it will be with heels," said Calvin Young, board member.

Nichols-Washer is the first female superintendent Lodi Unified has seen and is looking forward to every minute of it.

"It's a little overwhelming, and a little humbling, but I'm looking forward to joining the staff," Nichols-Washer said.

Bonnie Cassel, the only other woman on the board, congratulated Nichols-Washer for marking Lodi Unified history.

"This is such an important milestone for us as a district and all the kids we teach," Cassel said.

Nichols-Washer has been with Manteca Unified since 2003. Before moving up to that position, she was an administrator for the Stockton Unified School District and a principal in 1999.

Currently, the Manteca District has about 23,000 students compared to Lodi Unified, which exceeds 30,000 students according to the Lodi Unified Web site.

Nichols-Washer said she enjoyed working with the district as well as the Manteca Unified Board of Education and will find it hard to say goodbye.

"Manteca has a fabulous board, that's what makes it hard to leave ... we are a team," Nichols-Washer said.

Lodi Unified School District began searching for a new superintendent in December when Bill Huyett left for an administration job with Berkeley Unified School District.

Since then, Len Casenega has been the interim superintendent but said he is looking forward to retirement.

Nichols-Washer currently lives in North Stockton with her husband and three children, but does not plan to move to Lodi just to be closer to work.

"It is something to consider in the future ... but for now, it's only about 30 minutes away," Nichols-Washer said.

So instead of packing boxes, Nichols-Washer will be saying "goodbye" to Manteca and "hello" to Lodi with a smile on her face.

"I come from a good place and I'm coming to a good place," Nichols-Washer said.

Contact Natalie Flynn at natalief@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback

dfishfam wrote on Jul 10, 2008 1:54 PM:

" Congratulations Dr. Nichols-Washer! We look forward to your leadership in the coming years. You have impressed many in the Manteca Distict with your vision for the future. Let's pull together as a community to welcome our new superintendent and show her what we can do together to improve our community and raise our student standards. "

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T&c wrote on Jul 9, 2008 12:17 PM:

" Ms. Nichols-Washer, have you received any invitations for dinner and a weekend at wine&roses by any of our coty leaders, realtors or developers yet? "

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roni95242 wrote on Jul 7, 2008 1:25 PM:

" Len,
On Behalf of "the Palm Reader" and Sissy, I would like to wish you a wonderful retirement!!
You will be missed at LUSD!!
And remember when Times get tough just " PUT IT ON A STUMP".
Thanks again,
This is Sissy "

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curious wrote on Jul 6, 2008 11:32 AM:

" Just curious WY... do you have a website that we can see your work on? I am a big fan of photography and would like to see your portfolio. "

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dyan wrote on Jul 5, 2008 8:53 AM:

" T&C: I couldn't have said it better myself! "

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T&c wrote on Jul 4, 2008 7:44 PM:

" And just what does Davis bring to the board as his qualifications? Same old year after year, and just another LUSD bobblehead for Huyett all those years. I think it's time for change on the board with some younger, new forward thinking, intelligent individuals and not some old-timer that's still using years old software to hold his position. SUSD could use a backward thinker like that, not LUSD. Just look how far downhill LUSD has gone with the help of Mr. Huyett and Davis? My own offspring both attended Lodi High in the early to mid 90's and families moved and bought homes here just for a great education from LUSD. From the mid 90's until now it's completely changed. If those current board members and administrators haven't made a difference in the last 10 years or so, it's time to review their portfolio and replace them, if necessary. "

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dyan wrote on Jul 4, 2008 11:00 AM:

" I'll be washing my nichols when I write out my quarterly income tax payment, wondering where all the money is wasted. "

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edumacation wrote on Jul 3, 2008 7:25 PM:

" To audi5000 and dyan: You are not eloquent but what you say speaks volumes...both of you should be poets. Really! I need to borrow your statement dyan --- I'll give you credit if I don't get stomped by Manolo Blahniks first. LOL Look it up! ROFL "

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Audi 5000 wrote on Jul 3, 2008 7:58 AM:

" Whoa Nellie: you are right. That's my point. There's really nothing that can be done to change the thinking of people who do not value speaking English as they enter school, or an education.

Ms. Washer, et.al., should not pretend to have the solutions. There are none. If she could solve this issue, she'd easily earn a Nobel Prize. Until then, we need to ask what The Board is being paid to do.

Dyan has it right. "

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dyan wrote on Jul 3, 2008 7:24 AM:

" Can anybody out there name one, just one noted accomplishment that a school superintendent has achieved over the last few years? -other than raising their own salaries? Oh I know. This time it will be different! -Especially with a person who makes eveyone say her name twice! "

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WY wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:25 PM:

" Oh by the way... I could make you look SO good, you'd freak out. I'd slap goose grease on that 5-head and get a ladder to raise up the camera. put you in black and skinny your ass up. (quit eating meat dude!)
You have brown eyes, right? "

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WY wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:20 PM:

" Bon Jovi...? A 5 head....? omg you are funny! What are you doing up so late? reading my yammering? "

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Cogito wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:03 PM:

" WY, could you take my picture and make me look tall, thin, with hair like Bon Jovi? I'm 5'9", 225#, with a fivehead (bigger than a forehead). "

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WY wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:34 PM:

" No, I've been bitching about the photos for some time.

dyan... Here's a woman that is brought in because we jacked things up and the rag can't honor her and slow down to do so. Skip over my comments... big deal! My comments were for the LNS to try to improve their "lousy", as you say it, work.

What's your point about the money? We consult for far more than that. BFD make your point as I did. I'm over it. The rest of this makes no never mind to me. "

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WY wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:26 PM:

" Whoa nellie.... I wish I would have picked your name. I love it!
I agree with your comment, but many parents I know aren't richy rich, they just sacrafice to send thier kids to private because public sucks anymore. Why should they sit around and watch every service be given to kids of parents that don't get involved in thier childrens education. Or how can they help thier child when they don't make any effort to speak English.

I hope Dr.Washer makes a big difference in our school system. She has a huge plate infront of her. "

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dyan wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:25 PM:

" They are paying this chick a quarter of a million dollars of taxpayer money to do what?? And all you folks care about is her lousy picture? "

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Whoa Nellie! wrote on Jul 2, 2008 6:17 PM:

" And don't someone say something about the elitest richy rich folks. They send their kids to private (mostly church) schools or charter schools. "

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Whoa Nellie! wrote on Jul 2, 2008 6:13 PM:

" Enough about the bad photos. Obviously the LNS misses Rich Turner.

Audi- the goal is a mixed bag. As someone else posted, until parents and students take responsibility for their learning nothing will change.

The ethnic & socio-economic factors in this district are huge. The schools in the "nicer" neighborhoods do perform better on the STAR tests. Partly do to parent involvement, and also a huge dash of the importance of education. More parents in those neighborhoods have attended college.

Most ethnic parents in the LUSD have not attended college and do not place a focus on education. "

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WY wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:21 PM:

" Sorry everyone . It just bugs! "

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WY wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:18 PM:

" I can't spell but I can take a hell of a photogragh. "

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WY wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:17 PM:

" You get "meat" from "meetings" .... oup. hehe "

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WY wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:16 PM:

" A photogragher has to be a fly on the wall in an invironment such as this. They have to move freely with out making a distraction.
It's been done! so do it!

One could join PPGBA, or PPGSA or PPA. you get meatings to go to with professinals, and a magizine TOO! yippee. All I'm saying is think about the moment and the image your trying to create, if you can't see it in your minds eye you can't capture it. If you took it and didn't caputure it, sure as schit don't print it. "

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edumacation wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:13 PM:

" WY: It looks like they tried framing with the "golden mean". But the question remains what/who is the subject? Tell us the story with one shot. "

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WY wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:09 PM:

" Dr. Washer... if you read this, I'm sorry they took such a bad photo of you . My comments about the photo have nothing to do with the topic an I'm sorry. I would have taken my time with a shot like this. Or I would have created a casual pose for the article. I truely wish you well. We need you. :) "

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edumacation wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:07 PM:

" WY: Well, it look like the shot is in focus even if the framing is bad. I recommend that the photog read Andreas Feininger about how to MAKE a photograph that has impact. If you learn to take photos with camera using color reversal film, it is better than the P.H.D. (Push Here Dummy) digital cameras. You are forced to know your camera. No "almost photos" with this technology. You either make the shot or you don't. "

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WY wrote on Jul 2, 2008 3:58 PM:

" I'm sick of looking at the crap photos in this paper. Someone photograghed a homeless man last year leaning over as if in pain. It was taken from across the street from where his was on a digital. It was a stolen image. Why not ask the subject if it's ok before slamming a disrespectful image of him in the local rag.

It's all the same... Think about the shot. I don't care if it's journalizm portraiture, What ever. There are many seminars in CA to upgrade your photo skills. Sign up for a couple! "

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edumacation wrote on Jul 2, 2008 3:57 PM:

" Well, it looks like the LNS changed the spelling of her name. When you publish a paper that can sway peoples opinion, details are important. Thanks.

I wish Dr. Nichols-Washer success in this huge goal. The first question she wil probably face for this objective is: How do I encourage parents AND students to be responsible for their own learning. I already hear growing pains. LOL I will stay positive and will support you in any way I can. You have selected a difficult but not impossible goal. Our LUSD teachers will need your support to reach this goal. Welcome to Lodi! "

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WY wrote on Jul 2, 2008 3:52 PM:

" Here's the deal, this shot shows nothing! And as far as getting imfomation from the image,as to where she is and what she is doing, aise the level of the camera. It's like a caped weiner dog with a helmet cam walked around snapping candids. This woman deserves better. It is up to the photogragher to grasp the emotion and importance of the moment. The backround says nothing about where this woman is or what she is up to. It's poor all around ,she deserves a do-over!

I got a come back for every comment that is in favor of this photo. "

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69 wrote on Jul 2, 2008 1:45 PM:

" What are Mrs. Nichols-Washer's academic credentials? "

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Lodian wrote on Jul 2, 2008 12:35 PM:

" I'm into photography too, WY. Most women do not like to be photographed at that angle. It's not flattering. "

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Lodian wrote on Jul 2, 2008 12:35 PM:

" Best wishes, Ms. Washer. Make a difference. "

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Goodgoing wrote on Jul 2, 2008 12:19 PM:

" At first glance this may not seen to be the most flattering picture of new superintendent, Dr. Cathy Nichols-Washer. But, studying the picture further, I think is gives one the impression of being at the meeting. It shows that the superintendent has a personality and sure beats standard smiling front face photo or the ubiquitous group handshake shot. This is a great spontaneous photo which gives me a better impression of her and the surrounding atmosphere. I get tired of the posed shots. In retrospect I think it is a great photo. "

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sam wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:44 AM:

" If LNS wanted GREAT photos they should hire WY. I kid you not. The girl has talent. People would buy the paper JUST for the photos. "

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edumacation wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:04 AM:

" To WY: yup, I thought so, the Recordnet also spells it C.A.T.H.Y. Google search shows that only the LNS spells it with a K. We should know how to spell the Supes name. "

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edumacation wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:50 AM:

" To WY: I have to agree that this was not a flattering photo. Also the LNS misspelled her name! Don't they have an editor at the LNS? Her name is Dr. Cathy Nichols-Washer. At least thats what how Manteca SUNPOST spells it. Go to htp://sunpost.net use the search function and WOW---lots of stuff about the new Supe. "

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Audi 5000 wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:55 AM:

" Improving student achievement is an easy goal to define. When will we hear real-world specifics on how that goal will be achieved? Is it even achievable? Or are ethnic and socio-economic factors too high of hurdles to ever surpass? "

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boonablis wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:40 AM:

" WY, I agree. I mean takes these photos???

Helen Keller.......cue rimshot "

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WY wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:26 AM:

" I'm going to cap on you guys till the photos get better. I'm just going to yammer on about the shots. I'll give you the seminar through the blog. It will take longer, but in time your shots will improve. Just listen to me, I know what I'm talking about.

(I'll be constructive about it) "

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WY wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:08 AM:

" Best wishes Ms. Washer "

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WY wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:07 AM:

" What are you focused on? Bring the camera level up wait for the shot. Don't squat unless your subject is in the dirt. Did you think you were photograghing still life? She would have released her smile and you would have had a better photo. Can you guys bring in a professinal to give you all a lil mini seminar on how to take good photos??? One would think this job requires both writing and photograghy skills.

PaLeeease! "

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