Board of Education Begins Search for Clayton’s Next Superintendent

Board of Education Begins Search for Clayton’s Next Superintendent The School District of Clayton announced today that Superintendent Nisha Patel, EdD , will retire at the end of the 2026–27 school year, concluding a career dedicated to public education. Her final day with the District will be June 30, 2027. For the past six years, Dr. Patel has led the School District of Clayton with a strong focus on students and the District’s long-term success. During her tenure, Clayton has made meaningful progress on its strategic priorities and deepened its commitment to being a place where every learner can grow in both head and heart. Under her leadership, the District has advanced academic achievement, expanded social-emotional supports, strengthened school safety measures and developed a comprehensive Long-Range Facilities Master Plan to make sure its schools and athletic spaces support the level of learning and achievement happening across Clayton. That work reached a major milestone with the community’s approval of Proposition O , a $135 million bond referendum that will fund the first phase of the plan. The Board of Education thanked Dr. Patel for her leadership and commitment to Clayton. “Dr. Patel has brought energy, care and a strong sense of purpose to her role as superintendent,” said Jason Growe, Board president. “She has been deeply invested in the success of our students, staff and schools and has been a positive presence throughout the Clayton community. We are grateful for her leadership and the impact she has had on the District.” In a message to staff and the school community, Dr. Patel reflects on her decision to retire and what her time in Clayton has meant to her. “I am proud of where we are. I am hopeful about where we are going. And I believe, with my whole heart, that the future of the School District of Clayton is incredibly bright,” she wrote. Read Dr. Patel's letter to the community The Board has already begun the work of identifying the District’s next superintendent. To support the search and help ensure the District selects the right leader for its schools, the Board plans to partner with an executive search firm. The goal is to name the District’s next leader this winter so there will be several months for the incoming superintendent to work alongside Dr. Patel and support a smooth transition. Community input will be an important part of the search. The Board will work with the selected search firm to hear from staff, families and community members about the qualities, experience and priorities they want to see in Clayton’s next superintendent. “We are looking for a leader who understands where Clayton is today and can help us imagine what comes next,” said Growe. “That means someone who holds high expectations for learning, listens, builds trust and can bring people together around what matters most for students.” More information about the superintendent search will be shared as plans move forward.