Schauer set to retire after four decades of educating Galt’s youth
After four decades in education, the leader of the Galt Joint Union Elementary School District is retiring.
Dr. Karen Schauer, GJUESD superintendent, recently announced her retirement on the district’s website. Her last day will be June 30, she said, depending on timing and if the district’s Board of Education hires a new superintendent by that time.
Schauer began her career as a first-grade teacher with the district in 1980, and she was named superintendent in 2007.
In her March 25 announcement, Schauer said her retirement is taking place at the right time, as the district is in the midst of increasing inperson instruction at sites while preparing for summer school.
“The years have been blended with such wonderful experiences, big challenges and exciting successes,” she said in an email to the News-Sentinel. “Our district is working on a new threeyear strategic plan. I think it is best to have the next superintendent stay the course over multiple years to further develop and implement this plan with the board, staff and additional stakeholders.” Earning a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sacramento, Schauer taught several primary grades for 15 years before moving into the district’s administration office as a curriculum specialist and eventually becoming curriculum director.
She earned a master’s degree from Fresno Pacific University and a doctor
ate from University of La Verne, as well.
Schauer attributed her 41-year tenure with GJUESD to the district’s motto of “Growing And Learning Together,” stating throughout her career that she was supported by several peers and colleagues who mentored her and invested in her.
Those included former teacher Barbara Murphy, retired district director Gerald Keen and retired superintendent Jeff Jennings, she said.
“(Murphy) was there for me any time I needed her as a beginning teacher with first grade students,” she said. “(Keen) served as my principal when Fairsite was an elementary school. His visionary and supportive conversations with me helped me gain confidence to grow through teacher leadership opportunities. (Jennings) supported me to become the district’s first director of curriculum. His leadership and vision inspired me to become a superintendent.”
Schauer said what she has been most proud of during her four decades in education has been seeing former students and staff grow through career accomplishments and achievements, adding it will be the entire district community that she will miss most.
“(I will miss) the daily inspiration I experience through the contributions of incredible board members, staff, families, community and partner agencies to provide learning for our PreK-8 students,” she said. “Before and during the pandemic, I have observed such extraordinary efforts to provide the best possible instruction, programs and services across our district.”
Schauer, 63, said she is looking forward to spending time with family and friends, as well as going horseback riding as much as she can.
“I may even finally learn how to cook and bake, too, using vegetables and fruits from our home garden,” she said. “Also, I have been researching the possibility of raising chickens and I think my husband is open to this poultry project, given my retirement.”
In her announcement, Schauer said the development of a new, three-year Local Control Accountability Plan sets the stage for her successor to work with the trustees, staff members and community.
She added that she knows the district will continue to lead efforts in Galt and the surrounding area to strengthen public education through innovation, collaboration and genuine care for all students.
“It truly is a transformational time in education,” she said. “I will miss being a part of the collaborative and innovative efforts our district will implement, but am confident that our school system and new superintendent will continue successful and exciting efforts for learners.
Schauer’s announcement comes five months after Galt Joint Union High School superintendent William Spalding left his post.
Lisa Pettis, the GJUHSD director of educational options was named interim superintendent after his departure.
The elementary school district has enlisted the aid of county superintendent of schools David Gordon to search for Schauer’s replacement.
“The community of Galt is such a special place to work and live,” she said. “Throughout my career, I have seen and experienced the contributions of community members to help students, staff and our school system expand services and opportunities. I will always cherish these contributions.”