New RCSD Leaders Announced: New Principals for Garfield and MIT. Trained Executive Chef to Lead Child Nutrition Services

Garfield Community School and McKinley Institute of Technology (MIT) will welcome new leaders to their respective campuses.

In an announcement made by Superintendent Dr. John Baker, Redwood City School District (RCSD) introduced Sara Shackel as the new principal for Garfield, Beatrice (Bea) Williams as the incoming principal for MIT, and Richie Wilim as the new Director of Child Nutrition Services (CNS).

Sara Shackel, Principal of Garfield Community School:

At Garfield Community School, a new chapter begins with the appointment of Sara Shackel as principal, succeeding retiring Principal Fanny Gonzales-Sprouse. Ms. Shackel brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments.

With more than two decades of dedicated service to RCSD students, Ms. Shackel’s journey has been marked by excellence and compassion. Her most recent role as principal at North Star Academy showcased her ability to inspire academic achievement and nurture the holistic development of students.

What sets Ms. Shackel apart is her long standing connection to the Redwood City community. Having served at McKinley Institute of Technology (MIT) as a teacher earlier in her career, Ms. Shackel’s familiarity with the district’s diverse communities and her collaborative spirit make her an ideal leader for Garfield Community School.

As the Garfield community bids farewell to Ms. Gonzales-Sprouse, Superintendent Baker commended her decades of service and expressed confidence in Ms. Shackel’s ability to lead Garfield. With Ms. Shackel at the helm, Garfield is set to continue its legacy of excellence, where every student is valued and supported.

Bea Williams, Principal of McKinley Institute of Technology (MIT):

With a rich background in education and a track record of success, Beatrice (Bea) Williams steps into the role of principal at MIT with enthusiasm and a commitment to student achievement. Ms. Williams, a seasoned educator, previously served as Assistant Principal at Kennedy Middle School, where she led the complexities of a large and diverse student body and fostered a culture of excellence.

Prior to her tenure at Kennedy, Ms. Williams honed her leadership skills with Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) in Atlanta, one of the nation’s largest districts. Her experience as a mathematics teacher and administrator at a high school with more than 3,000 students positions her well to enrich the academic environment at MIT as the middle schoolers transition to high school.

Williams holds a Master’s degree in Education Administration and Supervision, along with a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, Mathematics. Her dedication to academic rigor and student development aligns seamlessly with MIT’s mission and values.

In bidding farewell to Principal Susana García Fernández, Superintendent Baker expressed gratitude for her exemplary leadership and wished her success in her new role as a dual language immersion instructional leader in a neighboring school district.

Richie Wilim, Director of Child Nutrition Services (CNS):

RCSD welcomes Richie Wilim as the new Director of Child Nutrition Services. With a background as a trained executive chef and business manager, Mr. Wilim brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

Having previously served as Assistant Director of Student Nutrition at Vacaville Unified School District, Mr. Wilim’s leadership was instrumental in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic while prioritizing student well-being. His commitment to providing nutritious meals aligns perfectly with RCSD’s mission of supporting student success.

Wilim, a classically trained chef in multiple cuisines and techniques, attended Le Cordon Bleu and has received training from the Chef Ann Foundation. In his new role, he will lead the district’s Department of Child Nutrition Services with a staff of close to 40 team members, focusing on innovation and ensuring students receive well-balanced meals that fuel their learning.

Rick Edson, Chief Business Official for RCSD, to whom Wilim will report, expressed enthusiasm about Wilim’s appointment, stating, “Mr. Wilim will be instrumental in continuing our efforts for scratch cooking as well as the modernization of district kitchen facilities.”

Wilim joined RCSD in April. The appointment of Ms. Shackle and Ms. Williams is effective July 1.