ANTIOCH — Starting July 1, Darnise R. Williams will be the new superintendent for Antioch Unified School District after a rigorous national search that attracted more than 31 candidates, according to officials.
With the Board of Trustees selection, Williams will take over from current Interim Superintendent Matt Wayne, who was appointed earlier this year. Prior to Wayne, the district’s human resources chief, Robert A. Martinez, was acting superintendent.
District leadership changes followed the termination of Stephanie Anello in August 2024. Anello faced criticism for allegedly ignoring employee complaints of bullying and intimidation.
“Dr. Williams was chosen through a thorough and inclusive process that involved stakeholder engagement, performance-based interviews, and a comprehensive background check,” the school district stated in a press release.
With more than three decades of service in California’s public education system, Williams has “established herself as a leader” with a student-centered approach and ability to build systems that support all learners, said officials.
According to the district, Williams’ career spans roles from classroom teacher to school principal and district leader, most recently serving as superintendent of Pacifica School District.
At Pacifica, she spearheaded a multi-year fiscal stability plan, helped pass a local parcel tax to support educational programs, and initiated the funding and groundbreaking of a workforce housing project to address teacher recruitment and retention challenges, said officials.
Williams said she was “deeply honored” to serve as the district’s next superintendent.
“I believe in the brilliance and potential of every child — and I’m committed to working alongside our students, educators, families, and community to continue building schools where students are seen, supported, and inspired every day,” said Williams.
Antioch Unified School District Board of Trustees President Antonio Hernandez said Williams was the “clear and compelling choice” among the potential candidates.
“She brings the vision, integrity, and calm strength needed to guide Antioch into its next chapter of growth and transformation,” said Hernandez. “Her leadership is both strategic and deeply human — grounded in a commitment to see every student for their academic potential and their whole story.”
He added Williams’ focus on foster youth, students with special needs, and multilingual learners aligns with the district’s mission.
“She brings a rare combination of technical expertise, inclusive instructional knowledge, and the ability to listen with empathy and act with decisive clarity,” said Hernandez. “We believe her leadership will leave a lasting, positive imprint on our schools, students, and the broader Antioch community.”
According to her three-year contract, Williams will be paid $353,045 annually and receive other benefits such as insurance, a monthly automobile allowance of $300, a relocation expense of no more than $12,000 should she move into the district, and a 2.5% merit increase based on an annual evaluation rating of “satisfactory” or “beyond satisfactory” during the preceding school year.
