Oakley Union Elementary School District Announces the Selection of New Superintendent

Oakley, CA — The Oakley Union Elementary School District (OUESD) Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the selection of Jeffery Palmquist as the district’s new superintendent, effective August 22, 2021.

“We were very excited to have an excellent field of candidates for the Superintendent position. With the assistance of a staff, parent and community member panel, Mr. Palmquist emerged as the  right fit to lead our district.” Board Trustee President Lynell Fuller said. “Although many qualified  candidates applied, the board felt that Mr. Palmquist’s experience, leadership and dedication to  students and staff members would best serve OUESD students, employees, and the community for years to come.”

Palmquist is starting his 25th year of service in public education, beginning his career in the San  Joaquin County Office of Education Court and Community School Program. He has served as a teacher, an assistant principal, a school principal, an associate superintendent.

For the past three years as Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education at Lodi Unified School District. In this capacity, Palmquist was involved with creating innovative program for high school students and oversaw the District’s middle school, high school, and alternative school programs, as well as the Child Welfare and Attendance Department. In addition, Palmquist has served as an Adjunct Professor at the Teachers College of San Joaquin.

“I am excited and honored to have been chosen as the new superintendent of Oakley Union and look forward to working collaboratively with the school board, staff, students, parents and community,” Palmquist said. “Public education has certainly had its challenges over the past year and a half, but I know that Oakley will continue to come together and take care of our students.”

Palmquist is a native of the Delta region, specifically the Lodi/Stockton area. He is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he received his Bachelor of Arts; and earned his Master’s in Education from National University. Palmquist also holds a teaching credential from the University of the Pacific and is a Doctor of Education Candidate at the University of Wyoming.

Mr. Palmquist will succeed Mr. Greg Hetrick. Hetrick is retiring this month after five years of  exemplary service as the District’s Superintendent and more than 30 years in education.

“While we are very excited about our future, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary leadership Mr. Hetrick has provided to OUESD and our entire community over his tenure; and especially during this unprecedented time. His dedication to OUESD, the educators, and the children we serve is unmatched – He will be greatly missed,” President Fuller added.

OUESD is a diverse learning community committed to educating and empowering today’s learners and tomorrow’s leaders in a safe and inclusive environment. OUESD is home to more than 5,000 students across seven elementary school and two middle schools.

For more information, visit  www.ouesd.k12.ca.us .