The Manteca Unified School District board has appointed two new administrators.
Francine Baird is the new Director of Equity & Access while Sherrie Jamero is the Director of Student Programs.
Baird has been working in Education for 22 years and began her career as a high school English Language Development, Creative Writing, and English teacher.
During her career, she has served in various school leadership capacities, including a previous tenure as principal of Weston Ranch High School.
Before returning to Manteca Unified in June 2022 to serve in a Coordinator role,
Baird gained five years of district administrative experience focused on supporting principals, students, parents, and the community in counseling, enrollment, parent engagement, mental health advocacy, positive attendance, social-emotional learning, curriculum and instruction, and multi-tiered systems of support.
As the Director of Equity & Access, Baird will play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive educational environment for all staff and students in Manteca Unified.
She will lead and oversee district-wide initiatives that provide further access to standards-based academic success for students by developing policies and procedures that emphasize MUSD’s systemic approach to equity.
Baird will lead critical awareness and programming on topics such as cultural awareness and sensitivity, conflict resolution, and leadership development, ensuring that all school communities benefit from these equity initiatives.
Additionally, Baird will collaborate with various district departments to maintain equitable access for all students to receive the services and programs they need to thrive.
Through leadership and advocacy, Baird will help create a more inclusive culture that values and celebrates diversity, striving to empower all students to succeed in a global society and workforce.
Director of Student Programs
Jamero has spent most of her life within Manteca Unified, both as a former student and a working professional.
She has worked for MUSD for the past 32 years, with her career beginning at French Camp School as a 6th grade teacher before transitioning to Nile Garden, where she became the program coordinator for the site.
Inspired by her time as a coordinator, Jamero earned a master’s degree in educational administration and an Administrative Credential in 2004.
Following her tenure at Nile Garden, she moved to Neil Hafley, where she served as the vice principal for 5 years, after which she became the principal of Walter Woodward School in 2009.
In 2021, she accepted a position as the Coordinator of Data & Assessment at the District level, where she worked with teachers and administrators to analyze student achievement and growth data to better inform instructional practices.
As the Director of Student Programs, Jamero will have a pivotal role in enhancing the educational experience for MUSD students.
She will collaborate with various departments to develop and maintain programs aimed at identifying and addressing the unique needs of students, including overseeing the implementation of data-driven resources and supporting advisory committees and community engagement meetings.
Jamero will work closely with families to create targeted programs, provide guidance to district and site staff, and identify trends to develop district-wide programs for emerging students.
She will oversee the English Language Development Coordinator and will collaborate with school administrators and teachers to establish needs, guide high-leverage instructional practices, and stay up-to-date with the latest educational innovations.
Additionally,
Jamero will oversee specialized programs such as Indian Education and Migrant Education.
“I have dedicated my whole career to the students of Manteca Unified,: “In each job that I have held, my focus has been on MUSD students and families. I am excited for this new challenge in my career. I want to use my skills to make a difference in the academic growth and achievement of the emerging student groups that we serve in our district.”
