Lodi, CA (January 17, 2023)—Lodi Unified is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Area Directors. The Area Director positions are part of the District’s reorganization effort to enhance communication and support to school sites.
The Area Directors will provide direct supervision and assistance to school principals, coordinate with other departments in support of site operations, and monitor and evaluate the implementation of site programs, plans, and budgets in a common effort to achieve District goals.
Area #1 encompasses schools south of Eight Mile Road and area #2 encompasses schools in Lodi and the surrounding rural areas of San Joaquin County within Lodi USD.
Mr. Mark Dawson was appointed to the position of Area Director and is assigned to Area 1.
Dawson has worked in Lodi Unified for over two decades, most recently as the principal of Ronald E. McNair High School. He has served the District in a variety of positions, including as a social science teacher, assistant principal, and principal of two high schools.
Dawson shared, “I’m honored that the Lodi Unified Board of Education has appointed me to the position of Area Director. I am in my 23rd year in education, all of which have been with Lodi Unified across Stockton area schools. I am excited that I will be able to continue to serve our Stockton area schools in my new role and I look forward to supporting our District's goals."
Dawson successfully guided McNair High through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation process, in which a school must demonstrate the capacity for a high-quality learning environment.
Most recently, Dawson was involved in the implementation of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) at McNair High. MTSS is a framework that focuses on the alignment of systems for all students’ academic, behavioral, and social success.
Dawson holds a Master of Arts in Education from the California State University, Sacramento, a teaching credential in social science from the California State University, Chico, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from the California State University, Sacramento.
“Mr. Dawson has provided decades of committed service to our Lodi Unified students and families in north Stockton. He is a dedicated and strategic leader in education who has continuously sought new and innovative ways to provide educational services that fulfill our mission. I know he will serve the District well in his new position as Area Director,” said Dr. Cathy Nichols-Washer, Superintendent.
Mr. Peter Lambert was appointed to the position of Area Director and assigned to Area 2.
Lambert served as a school administrator and math teacher for 30 years in middle and high schools throughout Sacramento and Yolo Counties and in North Carolina.
He also served as a school administrator in Elk Grove Unified for nine years and taught for five years as a high school math teacher in North Carolina before serving as an assistant principal there for three years.
Lambert has an extensive background in educational leadership, including the development of programs to increase college acceptance rates and career readiness.
Lambert has implemented Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to address the social and emotional needs of students with a focus on restorative justice practices. Lambert has also led the early implementation of an Inclusive Practices Program and piloted a co-teaching program to increase collaboration among general education and special education teachers.
“I am grateful that the Lodi Unified Board of Education appointed me to the position of Area Director. I have been a successful educational leader with extensive experience in meeting students' diverse needs. I look forward to bringing this experience to the Lodi Unified community. I am excited to work alongside a team that is committed to educating students for success,” said Lambert.
Most recently, Lambert served as the principal at Woodland Senior High School in the Woodland Joint Unified School District in Woodland, CA.
Lambert has a Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Bachelor of Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Lambert also has a California administrative services credential.
Lambert served as a protégé in the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) superintendent mentoring program and was named the 2022 CALSA region 2 site administrator of the year.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Lambert to Lodi Unified,” said Mr. Neil Young, Associate Superintendent.
Young went on to say: “Mr. Lambert joins our District with a wealth of educational experience across numerous school districts and states. He is well-versed in the educational needs of California students having served as an administrator in two of the largest school districts in California and most recently in Woodland Joint Unified. We know that his expertise will greatly benefit our students and staff.”
Dawson assumed his new position on January 3, 2023, and Lambert assumed his new position on January 17, 2023.
About Lodi Unified
Spanning 350 square miles in the San Joaquin Valley, Lodi Unified provides exceptional learning opportunities to over 28,000 students in Lodi, Stockton, and surrounding county areas. Lodi Unified strives to educate students for success through high quality instruction, a wide variety of Career Technical Education programs, joint efforts with higher education, an award winning Gifted and Talented program, effective support programs, and extended learning using digital devices. Lodi Unified offers unique opportunities for students and staff making it the premier education destination.