Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Cassie Parham received the Excellence in Leadership Award from the Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF) at the 8th Annual Spirit of Excellence Gala and Auction. During the event, Superintendent Terry Walker introduced Cassie and presented her with the award, highlighting her dedicated and passionate service to IUSD students for more than 20 years.
“Cassie’s outstanding leadership, vision, dedication and tenacity have been pivotal in guiding the District through critical shifts in education, enabling us to adapt and evolve to best meet the needs of our students,” said Superintendent Walker. “She played a critical role in developing the District’s Continuous Improvement Efforts, which illustrate IUSD’s core mission to develop essential capacities within our students and staff and to evaluate, each day, the impact our teaching is having on student learning.”
In addition to her daily work leading the District’s Education Services Department, with more than 100 employees and comprised of Academics, Athletics and PE, Alternative Education Programs, Enrollment, GATE and APAAS, Student Services and more, she has infused a growth mindset and intellectual risk taking in all District initiatives. Her work with Hanover Research has better refined IUSD’s practices and through Professional Learning Communities, which enable teachers, administrators and staff to work together to leverage their collective expertise, the District is better able to meet and serve the best interest of students.
Cassie’s dedication to Irvine and to IUSD is a lifelong pursuit. From kindergarten student to IUSD administrator, she is a true product of Irvine education. She attended University Park and Santiago Hills Elementary Schools, Sierra Vista Middle School, and graduated from Irvine High School.
Cassie began her career as an English teacher at University High School, eventually becoming principal of Northwood High. For the past decade, she has served in her current role working with the leadership team at the District Office.
Cassie was joined at the gala by her family, the IUSD Board of Education and other IUSD colleagues. Congratulations Cassie and thank you for your dedication to IUSD and our students!