The Del Mar Union School District (DMUSD) Board of Education recently announced the pending selection of seasoned educator Marisa Janicek as the finalist for the district’s next superintendent, according to a news release.
Janicek’s selection is contingent upon completion of a formal background check and validation visit to her current workplace along with successful contract negotiations and final board approval of her employment and employment contract on Aug. 20, 2025, the news release stated.
For the past seven years, Janicek has served as assistant superintendent, Educational Services in the El Segundo Unified School District (ESUSD). Prior to this role, she rose through the ranks in El Segundo as an executive director, director, elementary principal, and assistant principal.
Janicek began her elementary teaching career in the Campbell Union School District, supporting general and special education learners. With contributions spanning nearly three-decades in public education, Janicek has established a distinguished track record of innovative leadership, strategic foresight, and unparalleled community engagement, the news release stated.
Janicek holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from San Jose State University and a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Chico State University. She is in the final stages of completing her doctoral program at Southern New Hampshire University.
Janicek is also an active member of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and League of Innovative Schools. In 2017, she was recognized as ACSA Region 14 Administrator of the Year and is a two-time recipient of the California PTA Honorary Service Award, according to the news release.
The DMUSD news release stated that “Janicek is known for her ability to listen, adapt, and lead with empathy and grace. Her reputation as a relationship builder and convener has produced several successful partnerships with families, civic leaders, industry partners, and non-profits in the Los Angeles South Bay. Her pioneering work introducing Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies to elevate teaching and learning has led to cutting edge experiences for students, the augmentation of tasks for staff, and thoughtful AI policy development for the ESUSD’s governance team.”
Board President Gee Wah Mok noted in the news release, “The Board is excited to welcome Ms. Janicek to our community. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and is committed to honoring the high standards that make our district so special. Ms. Janicek’s collaborative approach to serving students, staff, and families is directly aligned with our district goals and collective vision of our strategic plan, Destination 2028!”
Reflecting on the opportunity, Ms. Janicek shared in the news release, “I am incredibly honored and humbled to be selected as the finalist for Superintendent of the Del Mar Union School District. DMUSD is an exceptional district with a legacy of excellence, a dedicated Board of Education, and a deeply engaged community. I feel truly fortunate to have the opportunity to serve and to contribute to a shared vision that places students, innovation, and belonging at the heart of everything we do.”
Janicek is married and the parent of two young adults. Janicek is slated to begin her assignment early this school year, pending final negotiations of an employment contract and subsequent board approval of the contract on Aug. 20, 2025. With Dr. Holly McClurg’s retirement in July, Chris Delehanty will serve as acting superintendent until Janicek begins and will work closely with her to ensure a seamless transition for all involved, the news release stated.