SMUHSD Announces New Director of Special Education Support Services

April 12, 2024 - San Mateo Union High School District Board of Trustees approved a contract to hire Dr. Rochelle Hooks, Ed.D. as the District’s new Director of Special Education Support Services. Dr. Hooks is replacing Dr. Holly Wade, who has served the District since July 2020. Dr. Hooks’ start date is July 1, 2024. 

In this position, Dr. Hooks will provide instructional leadership and curriculum oversight for the District’s Special Education programs, which includes directing the planning, organization, administration, and evaluation of all Special Education programs, and all aspects of student identification, assessment, placement, and due process.

Dr. Hooks received her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from St. Mary’s College. She received her Masters in Educational Administration and Masters in Special Education as well as her Bachelors in Political Science from San Francisco State University.

Dr. Hooks comes to our District most recently from the K-12 San Lorenzo Unified School District, where she has served as the Director of Special Services since 2020. Prior to that she has held several positions in the Special Education field including Coordinator of Special Services, Special Education Program Specialist Administrator, Special Education Department Head and Special Education Teacher. 

Dr. Hooks has also shared her expertise as an Adjunct Faculty Member at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, Notre Dame de Namur’s College of Psychology and College of Education, and the University of Phoenix’s College of Education & Humanities.

Superintendent Randall Booker shared, “We are incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Hooks on our team. Her proven track record in Special Education, coupled with her leadership skills and dedication to equity and inclusion, make a perfect match for the needs of our District, and we look forward to working with her collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcomes for our students.” 

Dr. Hooks added, “As Director of Special Education Support Services, I am eager to collaborate with families, labor partners and district leadership to develop innovative strategies that promote student achievement and foster a culture of inclusion and acceptance. I am committed to leveraging data driven decision making, evidence based practices, and ongoing professional development to ensure that all students receive a high quality education that meets their individual needs.”