SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced the appointment of Dr. Kimberly Ann Statham as interim State Administrator for the Oakland Unified School District effective upon the departure of current state administrator Dr. Randolph Ward.

"I am pleased that Dr. Statham has agreed to take on the challenge of leading the Oakland Unified School District until the search for a permanent State Administrator is completed," O'Connell said. "Dr. Statham is an extraordinarily talented educator with expertise in curriculum design and program implementation. She has played a key role in Oakland's successful effort to improve student achievement. Continuity in the district's reform efforts is critical. By serving as interim State Administrator, Dr. Statham will provide important stability to our efforts to improve on student success and restore fiscal soundness to the Oakland Unified School District."

"I am happy to have the opportunity to lead the district during this important and exciting time," Statham said. "Our immediate focus will continue to be on preparing for the beginning of the school year August 28. Oakland has many highly skilled educators who are working hard to make this year an extraordinarily positive and productive one for students. With help from parents and our other partners in the community, we will continue to raise expectations and guide our students on a path to greater success in school and in life."

As interim State Administrator, Dr. Statham will assume all of the duties and responsibilities currently assigned to Dr. Ward, who recently resigned to become Superintendent of the San Diego County Office of Education. Meanwhile, O'Connell is continuing an aggressive nationwide search for a permanent appointment to the position.

Dr. Statham, who started her career in education as an elementary school teacher, has more than 25 years of experience supporting and serving students in public schools. She is currently the Chief Academic Officer for the Oakland Unified School District, a position she has held since 2005. She previously served in a variety of administrative positions for school districts in the state of Maryland, including deputy superintendent and chief academic officer of Howard County Public Schools in Ellicott City, MD from 2001 to 2004, and as community superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools in Rockville, MD from 1999 through 2001. She served as director of school administration for that district from 1997 through 1999. Prior, Dr. Statham was a principal of Cannon Road Elementary School in Rockville, MD from 1991 through 1997.

Statham received a doctorate degree in educational psychology from Howard University in 1992. She received a master's degree in curriculum development from Howard University in 1984 and a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland in 1980. Dr. Statham was selected as a Broad Urban Superintendents Academy fellow in 2003.

The compensation for this position is $240,000.