Team

Former California K-12 leaders consulting the districts they came from.

15 advisors — former superintendents, CBOs, facilities directors, and program leaders — bringing decades of California K-12 experience to district consulting engagements.

Dr. Jason Viloria

Executive Director

Dr. Jason Viloria, Ed.D. brings over 20 years of experience in public education to the School Leaders team. As a former Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Principal, and district executive, he is a recognized leader in instructional innovation, organizational leadership, and school facilities modernization. At School Leaders, he leads bond program management and executive coaching projects in collaboration with superintendents, CBOs, and facilities departments across California.

Dr. Ken Testa

Project Manager

Dr. Ken Testa is a distinguished leader in educational facilities management, with over 20 years of experience delivering complex school modernization projects and overseeing bond programs.

Michael Bishop

Senor Advisor

Michael Bishop, Sr. is a veteran California K-12 school business executive who served as Associate Superintendent/Chief Business Official at Santa Ana Unified School District and Deputy Superintendent of Business at Paramount Unified School District. With deep expertise in school finance, bond program administration, and district business operations, he brings executive-level insight to every client engagement. Mr. Bishop also serves as faculty at the USC Rossier School of Education's School Business Management Certificate Program, where he helps train California's next generation of Chief Business Officials.

Carolyn Scholl

Consultant

Carolyn Scholl is an expert in educational facilities planning and program management, specializing in capacity analysis, modernization strategy, and GIS-based decision-making. With a proven track record of guiding districts through bond planning, redistricting, and DSA/OPSC compliance, she brings unmatched insight into transforming school infrastructure with clarity, compliance, and community alignment.

Chief David Valentin

Senior Advisor

At School Leaders, Chief Valentin advises districts on the full range of public safety contracting and campus security strategy — from School Resource Officer agreements and school police department assessments, to security technology procurement, emergency operations planning, mental health and wellness program integration, gang prevention partnerships, and staff training. He understands how districts budget for safety, how boards evaluate vendors, and what a well-run school safety program actually looks like from the inside.

Mayra Gonzalez

Consultant

Mayra E. Gonzalez, M.L., is a visionary leader in public education with over 20 years of expertise in school business operations, including fiscal services, capital programs, facilities planning, maintenance, and risk management. Her career spans major roles in Santa Ana, Tustin, and Los Alamitos Unified School Districts, where she has overseen multi-million-dollar budgets and bond-funded construction initiatives. With a passion for equity and innovation, Mayra combines strategic financial acumen with a deep commitment to student success.

Dale McCurry

Project Manager

Dale McCurry is a distinguished construction and energy management professional with over 35 years of experience in the K-12 education sector. Renowned for his expertise in school construction, modernization, and capital improvement programs, Dale has consistently delivered high-quality facilities that meet the evolving needs of students and educators. His leadership spans every phase of project management, from planning and budgeting to execution and completion.

Joe Dixon

President

Joe Dixon is a visionary leader in public school facility management with over 40 years of experience transforming educational spaces throughout California. Renowned for his unwavering commitment to advancing educational infrastructure, Joe has dedicated his career to creating safe, sustainable, and modern learning environments.

Jay Dixon

Project Manager

Jay Dixon is a dynamic leader in school facilities management and construction, blending hands-on experience with strategic oversight to deliver high-impact projects that enhance learning environments.

Dr. Stella Kemp

Program Manager

Dr. Stella Kemp brings an unparalleled breadth of experience in public education, having served as Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principal, and Executive Director across multiple California districts. With a strong foundation in both instructional and operational leadership, she has led districts through transformative strategic planning, equity-based budgeting, and facilities modernization, managing budgets up to $550 million and bond programs exceeding $1.1 billion. As Superintendent of Santa Clara Unified, she championed Vision 2035, opened three new schools, expanded professional development systems, and led pandemic response efforts with clarity and compassion. In San Bruno Park, she facilitated fiscal recovery, workforce housing exploration, and district rebranding, while driving innovative PreK–8 transformation and labor collaboration. Her background in educational services and charter oversight is matched by her deep expertise in PLCs, MTSS, equity systems, and instructional leadership. She is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, with published work on school transformation, finance, and governance. Dr. Kemp holds a doctorate in Education Administration and Applied Technology, is CASBO-certified as a Chief Business Official, and is actively engaged in mentoring future leaders across California.

Dr. Allan Mucerino

Superintendent Services

Dr. Allan John Mucerino is a visionary educational leader with a distinguished track record of driving transformative results in school district facilities and bond programs. With decades of experience managing hundreds of millions of dollars in bond measures and facilities upgrades, Dr. Mucerino excels in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and delivering innovative, student-centered learning environments that inspire success.

Maria Denney

Project Manager

Maria Denney, AIA, is an accomplished architect and construction manager with over 25 years of experience shaping transformative educational spaces throughout California. As a licensed architect and active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Maria has successfully led bond programs for major school districts, including Oakland Unified, San Francisco, and Berkeley, delivering sustainable and impactful designs that foster community engagement and exceed client expectations.

Roger Silveira

Project Manager

Roger Silveira is a seasoned facilities and construction professional with over 25 years of experience, rooted in a three-generation legacy of craftsmanship and hands-on expertise

Dr. Sherine Smith

Consultant

Dr. Sherine Smith has had a long and illustrious career as ateacher and leader in Orange County school districts. She started her career as a teacher in Capistrano Unified School District in the 1980’s and served as a mentor teacher. She went on to serve as the principal at Aliso Viejo Middle School and Capistrano Valley High School. Sherine moved into district office leadership in Capistrano Unified, where she ultimately served as the Deputy Superintendent of Education

Susan Dixon

Advocacy

Susan Dixon served as the President of the California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA), leading the organization in its mission to advocate for the interests of retired and active educators. Under her leadership, CalRTA achieved a significant milestone with the signing of the Social Security Fairness Act on January 5, 2025, which repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) penalties. Dixon's dedication to pension protection and public education has been instrumental in advancing the organization's goals and supporting educators throughout California

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