Mill Valley School District Hires New Director of Educational Services: Alison Makela Is the New Director of Educational Services starting Aug 10.

Mill Valley School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Alison Makela as its new Director of Educational Services, effective August 10, 2026.

Alison began her educational career as a classroom teacher and teacher leader before moving into instructional and administrative leadership. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and an Administrative Services Credential from the University of California, Berkeley, where she was a Behring Scholar in the Principal Leadership Institute. She also holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Dominican University of California, an Advanced Business Certificate in Organizational Development and Accounting from California State University, Sacramento, and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of California, Davis.

Alison brings more than 15 years of experience in educational leadership, instructional innovation, professional learning and community engagement. She spent eight years as principal of Madera Elementary School, where she led schoolwide planning, program development, and partnerships with families and community organizations.

She later served as Facilitator of Deeper Learning Initiatives for West Contra Costa Unified School District, advancing learner-centered and inquiry-driven teaching practices while supporting initiatives focused on student engagement, authentic learning and equitable assessment. Most recently, she served as Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives and Professional Learning where she led initiatives to optimize educational outcomes and operational efficiency, managed major state and federal programs and grants supporting professional development, the expansion of transitional kindergarten and school improvement efforts, contributed to the development of the district’s funding plan, and coordinated professional learning opportunities for administrators, school leaders and educators.

“Alison brings an exceptional combination of instructional expertise, strategic leadership and a deeply relational approach to her work,” said District Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Kaufman. “Her commitment to equity, collaboration and creating rich learning experiences for every student aligns closely with the values of our District. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Mill Valley community and look forward to the leadership and perspective she will bring to our schools.”

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