The Impact of Immigration Policy on Schools

About the Presenters

With over 20 years in education, Dr. Adam Clark began his career as an elementary teacher in the West Contra Costa Unified School District. After becoming an administrator in Contra Costa County, he served as a middle school vice principal, elementary school principal, middle school principal, and high school principal. Once he transitioned into the district office, he served as the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative/Student Services for the Liberty Union High School District and as the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services for the Antioch Unified School District.

Dr. Clark has served as the Superintendent of the Vallejo City Unified School District for two years. He is a visionary and innovative leader, crafting an ambitious superintendent’s action plan that aligns district resources to better serve student needs. During his time in Vallejo, he reduced the budget by $18 million, consolidated school sites, and worked with stakeholders to pass a $194 million facility bond. Furthermore, he is focused on improving systems to enhance instructional strategies districtwide. Dr. Clark also partnered with the Solano County Office of Education and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence to support these efforts. Currently, Dr. Clark serves as Superintendent of Mt. Diablo Unified School District in Concord, CA.

Dr. Darneika Watson, Superintendent of Glendale Unified School District, is an intelligent, dedicated, talented, creative, and enthusiastic individual known for her hard work and integrity. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a degree in psychology. After completing her undergraduate studies, she became a bilingual elementary school teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District. While working as an educator, Dr. Watson decided to advance her career in education. She earned a Bilingual Cross-Cultural Language Credential, an Administrative Services Credential, and a Master of Arts degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Following her completion of these advanced degrees, Dr. Watson transitioned into administration. She served as a principal for ten years, during which time her collaborative efforts led her to be honored as one of the Top 10 Principals in LAUSD in 2006. Dr. Watson also completed a Ph.D. in education from Claremont Graduate University, focusing her research on understanding and supporting children and youth in foster care.

Dr. Watson has held various leadership roles, including district coordinator, administrator, and executive director. She also worked with the Los Angeles County Office of Education, providing operational support to small districts. Subsequently, she joined the Glendale Unified School District, where she served as the Chief Human Resources and Operations Officer and now holds the position of Superintendent.

Dr. Antonio Shelton has held the position of Superintendent for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) since July 2023. In his 25 years of educational experience, 19 have been in leadership, including serving as assistant principal and principal in Cincinnati, Ohio, before joining SMMUSD in 2016 as the Principal of Santa Monica High School. Dr. Shelton then served as Executive Director of Secondary Schools prior to his appointment as Superintendent.

As a young educator, Dr. Shelton taught honors United States and world history along with government and African American history. He has previous experience as an adjunct teacher and facilitator for graduate-level courses in educational leadership, curriculum development, social justice, school finance, school law, and human resources administration in education for the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, School Administration Academy for Educators. Since moving to the Los Angeles area, he has concurrently taught instructional improvement for the USC doctorate program in educational leadership prior to assuming the position of SMMUSD Superintendent.

Dr. Shelton holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Hampton University; a Master of Arts in social studies with an emphasis in social studies, psychology, political science, and sociology from Ohio State University; a Master of Arts in educational administration from the University of Cincinnati; and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Kentucky.

Dr. Shelton is known as a highly intelligent and innovative leader who is constantly seeking to improve educational outcomes for students. He has a deep understanding of the challenges facing TK-12 public education and is committed to finding creative solutions that consider the diverse perspectives of educational partners while maintaining the focus on meeting the needs of all students. His leadership style incorporates care and compassion for others, fostering a sense of belonging for staff and students while supporting a creative and collaborative learning environment where students and staff members may reach their full potential.