Lodi, CA (August 11, 2022)—During the August 9, 2022, Board of Education Meeting, the Board announced the appointment of Mr. Neil Young to the position of Associate Superintendent with an effective date of Monday, August 15, 2022. It was also announced that upon the retirement of Dr. Cathy Nichols-Washer, Mr. Young would assume the role of Superintendent.
Mr. Young joined Lodi Unified in 1998 as a sixth-grade teacher at Vinewood Elementary School. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Young has served as a teacher, vice principal, principal, Director of Personnel, and most recently as the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education. In that capacity, Mr. Young oversaw 32 elementary schools, providing leadership to over 13,000 students.
Mr. Young received his Bachelor of Arts and his Master of Arts from Saint Mary’s College of California. He received his teaching credential from the University of the Pacific and administrative services credential from Saint Mary’s College of California.
Lodi Unified is thrilled to welcome Mr. Young as the future Superintendent.
Dr. Nichols-Washer shared, “For over two decades, Mr. Young has exemplified commitment and dedication to the Lodi Unified mission and educational programs. Mr. Young has served the District in a variety of positions over 23 years, and he will bring a high caliber of expertise to the position of Superintendent. We are grateful for Mr. Young’s experience, and we know he will serve the District well as the next Superintendent.”
Mr. Young shares the District’s excitement, saying “I am honored to serve as the Board’s next Superintendent in Lodi Unified. I am so thankful to have worked with such talented employees, and I know how vital each person is in ensuring our students succeed. I do not take this responsibility lightly. I look forward to continuing the important work of educating our Lodi Unified students on behalf of their families.”
Mr. Young went on to share, “My son recently graduated from Tokay High School, and my wife and I have two children currently enrolled in the District as well. As a family, we are committed to serving the needs of the greater Lodi Unified School District community.”
Mr. Young will succeed Dr. Cathy Nichols-Washer, who will retire at the end of the 2022-23 school year, after 15 years of service as the Lodi Unified Superintendent and 20 years in a superintendent position. Dr. Nichols-Washer is currently one of the longest-serving superintendents in California.
About Lodi Unified
Spanning 350 square miles in the San Joaquin Valley, Lodi Unified provides exceptional learning opportunities to over 28,000 students in Lodi, Stockton, and surrounding county areas. Lodi Unified strives to educate students for success through high quality instruction, a wide variety of Career Technical Education programs, joint efforts with higher education, an award winning Gifted and Talented program, effective support programs, and extended learning using digital devices. Lodi Unified offers unique opportunities for students and staff making it the premier education destination.