Garth Lewis
Ed.D. Student-CANDEL Cohort 16
Background
In June 2018, Garth was elected as the first African American to serve as the Yolo County Superintendent of Schools. Having already provided more than 20 years of service in the K12 public education system, he has led students, teachers, and staff while serving in the critical roles of classroom instructor, site leader, and district office administrator. Garth has been at the forefront of the Yolo County Office of Education’s efforts to provide inspiration, leadership, support, and advocacy that ensures equity in access to high-quality education for all students. He began his post-secondary education at Merced Community College and earned his bachelor’s degree, Teaching Credential, Administrative Credential, and Master’s Degree from California State University, Sacramento. Garth enjoys hiking, fishing, reading, and listening to music inspired by the African diaspora. He and his wife Maria have two children, Izabelle and Sofia.
Positions
Member, California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA), Region 3
Commissioner, First 5 Yolo County
Board Member, California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA)
Member, California Superintendents Collaborative Network, UC Davis
Member, Association of California School Administrators (ASCA)
Research Interests
Equity focused cross-agency collaboration
Impacts of system of care reform on educational outcomes of foster youth
Transformative leadership
Equity focused school and district leadership
Recent Projects
Masters in Governance for County Offices of Education, Curriculum Development and Inaugural Training Team
Yolo County African American Student Leadership Conference, 2015-Present
Mapping the Future of Children, Youth, and Families: American Rescue Plan Project, Yolo County
Yolo County Youth Civic Initiative
