A former educator that spent decades working on behalf of students in the South County has passed away.

William (Bill) Draa, taught at Sequoia Elementary School before joining the administrative team that included Kathy Scholl in opening Stella Brockman Elementary School in the early 1990s – initially doubling his time as a middle school history teacher as well as serving as the school’s vice principal.

An Oakland native that earned his undergraduate degree from the University of the Pacific in 1968 and Master at University of La Verne in 1991; Draa left Manteca Unified for a very sought-after position at Banta Union School District outside of Tracy where he served as a Superintendent for 17 years. After his accomplished stint at Banta, he was asked to serve in the same capacity in Ripon for 2 years.

Draa was instrumental in securing the funding necessary to expand the district into the then-theoretical River Islands development in Lathrop – working for years to shore up state grants that would allow for the construction of schools operating under the district’s charter that would serve the growing community south of the San Joaquin River. The first school open in 2012 and he served as Superintendent during the entire process.

Draa was also a father to two girls, Nicole and Marie, and recently welcomed a grandson – William, named in his honor – into the world. “He was an incredible father and loving husband – that was dedicated to his family and an advocate for education in the community,” Nicole said. “He’s going to be missed tremendously.”

During his tenure as a superintendent Draa served as Regional President of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and served on the State Board of Directors from 2007-2010. He was given the Distinguished Service award in 2000 and received Region 7’s highest honor- the Bill Ullom Award in 2011.

A lifelong fan of both the San Francisco Giants and the San Francisco 49ers, Draa is survived by his daughters, 4 grandchildren and his wife of 37-years, Odile.

Arrangements are currently being handled by P.L. Fry and Sons, and a memorial service is scheduled for Oct. 28 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Manteca – which will be capped at 75 guests because of coronavirus restrictions.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.