School District Announces New Director of Special Education

Information from the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District--

The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) is very pleased to announce the appointment of Director of Special Education, Ms. MaryAnn Frates, who began her official duties July 1, 2013.

Mr. George Anich, former Director for Special Education, will assume the role of Special Education Director and SELPA Director for Vallejo City Unified School District.

Mr. Anich says, “It has been a pleasure serving Livermore's special needs community. I will always cherish the memories of the wonderful families I have known and the outstanding District staff that helped us to support our students.”

MaryAnn Frates comes to the District with an extensive background in special education, professionally and in her own educational growth. She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration, a Multiple Subject teaching credential, and an Education Specialist Instruction credential.

In addition, she is in the process of completing her EdD for Educational Leadership. She is coming to LVJUSD from Castro Valley Unified School District where, for the past three years, she served as Coordinator of Special Education. Prior to that she was in Fremont Unified School District where she worked as a Program Specialist, SDC Teacher, RSP Teacher, and Extended School Year administrator. In addition, she spent a few years working with local non-public schools as an instructional aide, teacher, and administrator.


Ms. Frates was born and raised in San Leandro, CA where she still resides. Giving back to her community has been an important goal of hers and this is demonstrated in some of her volunteer activities. She currently sits on San Leandro’s Human Services Commission.

In addition she spent one year as an AmeriCorps volunteer in San Diego, CA, three years as a PeaceCorps Volunteer in the country of Tonga, and several years coaching basketball to elementary aged students. Ms. Frates is looking forward to joining the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District and becoming part of its community.

Throughout her career, MaryAnn has strived to provide all students with appropriate learning opportunities that strengthen not just their minds but their ability to develop independent skills that will best prepare them for adulthood. MaryAnn is looking forward to working with the District staff in continuing to develop and strengthen the opportunities for all its students.

“MaryAnn brings to her new role as LVJUSD Director of Special Education just the right combination of expertise, experience, and technical knowledge, enhanced by strong interpersonal skills, and an unwavering commitment to all students, particularly those with special needs. She will definitely be an asset to our leadership team,” says Superintendent Kelly Bowers.