Four exceptional MUSD leaders honored with ACSA Region 8 Awards

The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) annually recognizes education leaders throughout the state, starting with regional winners.  Region 8, which is Santa Clara County, has announced its awardees, and four of them are MUSD leaders: Giuliana Brahim (Adult Education Administrator of the Year), Mary Jude Doerpinghaus (Student Services Administrator of the Year) and Kelly Ng (Classified Administrator of the Year) and Cheryl Jordan (Superintendent of the Year).

“Each of these exceptional leaders are an integral part of our MUSD team,” said Supt. Jordan, who has devoted her decades-long educational career to the staff, students and families of Milpitas. “They set the bar for leadership in their respective departments and are more than deserving of this amazing honor.”

These four award recipients are now eligible for state-wide recognition among 19 geographic regions that comprise ACSA, the driving force for an equitable, world-class education system, and the development and support of inspired educational leaders who meet the diverse needs of all California students.

Supt. Jordan, who began as a teacher intern in 1989 at Calaveras Hills HS and Thomas Russell MS before becoming a site leader and, ultimately, the district chief, has long established a climate of equity and inclusion. She has served on and chaired various state, region, county and community board of directors, including the Santa Clara County Superintendents’ Association, Milpitas Rotary Club, the South Bay Consortium for Adult Education, and ACSA Region 8.

Principal Brahim leads Milpitas Adult Education, and is in charge of instructional programs at the main campus in the heart of Milpitas on Calaveras Boulevard as well as at the Santa Clara county jails.

“It is inspiring work that I get to be part of everyday from our English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for our immigrant students to providing high school equivalency tutoring for our inmate students,” said Brahim, who joined MUSD in 2002 and ACSA in 2011. “ACSA is an organization that allows administrators to network, share best practices, and grow as education leaders.”

Executive Director of Inclusive Services for All Learners, Mary Jude Doerpinghaus joined MUSD in September 2020 bringing nearly two decades of experience and knowledge as an administrator for Special Education, previously serving as Director of Education in Pleasanton.

Business Services Manager Kelly Ng, who heads up the Purchasing/Contracts/Bond division, also ensured safety throughout the pandemic by organizing the purchase and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as the MUSD Covid testing system and vaccination clinics.

Together, each of these award-winning administrators has provided remarkable leadership, support and dedication to the entire MUSD community.