Metropolitan Education District names new superintendent

Erin O'Neill comes from Woodland Community College.

New head of MetroED

Erin O’Neill has been appointed superintendent of the Metropolitan Education District (MetroED), effective July 1.

O’Neill’s career spans 25-plus years in public education. Most recently, she served as interim dean of career and technical education for Woodland Community College after working as executive director of college, career and life readiness at the Peninsula School District and director of career and college readiness for the Seattle Public Schools. She is also a former SkillsUSA adviser.

MetroED Board President Katherine Tseng said in a release that O’Neill “brings a wealth of experience and will continue to foster relationships to create a successful, innovative learning environment.”

The district used search firm HYA Associates to find a replacement for outgoing superintendent Alyssa Lynch, with input from stakeholders across the district. Lynch plans to work through June to facilitate a smooth transition.

MetroED is governed by a joint powers agreement between school districts including San Jose Unified, Campbell Union High School District and Milpitas Unified School District.

‘Queer is Natural’

To celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month and explore diversity in nature, the Peninsula Open Space Trust is hosting “Queer is Natural” on June 5, 7-8 p.m. The online event will delve into the complexities of queerness in nature.

The presentation will focus primarily on why certain behaviors and life histories have evolved in different species and will “take a mini deep dive into queer ecology.” This discussion of sexual behavior in the animal kingdom may be deemed PG-13.

For more information and to register for the event, visit https://openspacetrust.org/event/queer-is-natural-online-event.