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October 2007
Getting To Know
Karen Frison, Area 4 Superintendent
 Karen Frison
Midwest transplant and experienced educator Karen Frison exudes excitement and eagerness about the opportunity to join San Diego Unified as the new Area 4 Superintendent. With more than 30 years experience in the education field, she is respected for her insight, know-how, people skills and ability to help districts improve student learning.

Karen grew up in Ohio and received her B.A. in Education from the University of Dayton. She began her career as an elementary teacher and earned her master’s degree in education at Miami University in 1979.

Upon earning her administrative credentials in 1986, she served as an elementary school principal in Minneapolis for 11 years.

Karen moved to the west coast in 2001, where she began her career training principals. One year later, she was appointed executive director for elementary schools in the Oakland Unified School District. In Oakland, she supervised and provided support to some of the lowest performing elementary schools in the district.

In 2003, she became regional superintendent of elementary schools in the West Contra Costa Unified School District, overseeing 40 elementary schools and 31,000 students. Her duties included principal and assistant principal mentoring, alignment of the elementary curriculum and student performance.

Karen is happy to be back in Southern California, where she has many family and friends. She was preparing for a trip back to Ohio for her mother’s 75th birthday celebration when Staff Bulletin caught up with her.

What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am so impressed that many of the cutting-edge initiatives in education that other districts are still talking about are already in place here. The district’s focus on professional learning communities, benchmark assessments, and purposeful use of data are things I strongly believe in. I’m excited to be part of the implementation, monitoring, and modification of these initiatives as we strive to do what’s best for all students.

What unique background and strengths do you have that will have the greatest impact upon our schools and students?
The varieties of experiences I’ve had have given me the opportunity to observe, learn and be involved in education from many perspectives. I have seen best practices in districts across the country. I’m looking forward to sharing them here.

Who most influenced you and why?
I would have to say my former superintendent at West Contra Costa, Dr. Gloria Johnston. She taught me about effective leadership. Her most valued advise: “When you have to make decisions, particularly difficult ones, make them through the lens of equity.”