Newark Unified's Director of Special Ed Resigns

Newark Unified School District Director of Special Education Elena Watson is resigning, according to a district documents.

Watson’s resignation becomes effective June 29 – just a bit short of one year since the 's district administrative team.

The document, which outlines personnel actions approved by the Board of Trustees on April 3, cites that Watson’s reason for resignation is “personal.”

Superintendent of Schools Dave Marken said the district is appreciative of Watson's work and wishes her well.

The district's head chief said that Newark Unified will list the position as vacant and begin searching for a new director of Special Education when officials and staff return from next week's spring break.

He added that Watson will fulfill her contract that last until the end of this school year and aid Newark Unified in the transition.

Watson was hired by Newark Unified School District last summer and joined the district from Alisal Union School District in Salinas, where she was Alisal’s director of special education.

Library Clerk Jodi Croce’s has also resigned for a new job opportunity, according to the document. Croce’s resignation became effective on March 23.