May 1, 2023

Ghysels’ appointment follows an extensive search, which brought a field of 19 highly-qualified candidates, including eight superintendents and five from out of state. The board’s decision is a reflection of input gathered from key stakeholder groups in the district regarding the qualities desired in SRCS’ next leader.

A longtime educator of 38 years with deep experience, Ghysels is known as an authentic and collaborative leader with a relentless belief that all students can learn and thrive. Currently, she is the superintendent of the Tahoe Truckee USD, where she has led the district of approximately 4,200 students for the past three years.

As a student-centered visionary, Ghysels is committed to closing the opportunity gap. She leads with a warm, inclusive approach with a focus on building strong community relationships and engaging teachers and students. She has earned a reputation for guiding well-performing teams and nurturing staff at all levels. Her leadership skills include highly effective communication; courageous and transparent decision-making; and demonstrating ownership, accountability and enthusiasm in undertaking initiatives and challenges. Ghysels has a proven track record of success as an instructional leader, and in particular, has exceptional experience and skills in instructional technology. Above all, her love for serving students and her investment in their success is evident in all she does.

Prior to Tahoe Truckee Unified, Ghysels gained rich, in-depth experience in numerous positions in various diverse schools and districts. She’s served as a bilingual teacher, special education specialist, special day class teacher, instructional coach, principal, special education director, assistant superintendent of human resources, student services and health services, deputy superintendent and now, superintendent. She had long tenures at Mountain View Whisman and Sunnyvale school districts and honed her skills earlier in her career in several districts in the Southwestern United States. She began as a bilingual kindergarten teacher in Houston, Texas. Raised as an English learner, she is fluent in Spanish. Ghysels graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in special education and she earned a master’s in Instructional and Educational Technology from San Jose State University.

Ghysels’ tenure with SRCS officially begins on July 1, 2023. Over the next several months, she will begin getting acquainted with the district and transitioning into the role alongside retiring Superintendent Jim Hogeboom.