Superintendents
Dear Community,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year in the Old Adobe Union School District! We would like to take this opportunity to share how honored and excited we are to be your Superintendents. We want to thank you for your ongoing partnership with our District. And to our incoming families, we look forward to providing a rich, enjoyable educational experience for your child that creates a solid foundation for lifelong learning and school success.
The staff of the Old Adobe Union School District is here to share in a partnership with you to create an environment of high expectations and nurturing where students are inspired to learn with curiosity, think creatively, communicate effectively, and act responsibly in a diverse and ever-changing world.
We look forward to working with you for a successful school year as you and your child embark on this exciting and important time. Together we are Old Adobe Union School District - we’re looking forward to a wonderful year together!
Cindy Friberg, Superintendent and Michele Gochberg, Superintendent
Michele Gochberg has been an educator in the Old Adobe Union School District since 1997. Her extensive teaching experience spans across three of our district schools: Bernard Eldredge, La Tercera, and Miwok Valley. After fifteen years of teaching, she left the classroom to serve asa Curriculum Resource Teacher and Instructional Coach for the district. Michele then became the principal of Sonoma Mountain Elementary Charter School in March of 2013. In her tenure at Sonoma Mountain, she has worked collaboratively with the staff, students, and educational partners to build the charter focus in the arts and music, ensure a rigorous academic foundation for all students, and instill a strong and joyful community. Michele is a dynamic leader who believes that every child can achieve success. Her positive leadership, focus on relationships, and strength in building safe and inclusive communities have helped bring out the best in her students and staff members. Mrs. Gochberg has also served in other leadership positions in our district and community including Director of Curriculum, Sixth Grade Camp Co-Director and Principal, Summer School Principal, Casa Grande High School Cross Country Assistant Coach, teacher support provider, and Girls on the Run Coach.
Cindy Friberg is a relationship-oriented and strategic leader who has served the District for three years leading the Student Services Department in the long-term planning, coordination and evaluation of programs in various areas including special education, homeless and foster youth, attendance and engagement and counseling and wellness. Her early career includes work with youth in residential treatment and teaching. Her experience as a school and licensed educational psychologist spanned preschool through high school and includes ten years in elementary schools, eight of which were in Petaluma area schools. Prior to her work with OAUSD, she led teams as an administrator with the South County Consortium and the Marin County Office of Education. An educator, mental health provider and lifelong learner at heart, she is dedicated to serving and lifting up the voices of our youth and creating a culture of equity and conditions for learning for all students. She is committed to collaborative decision-making and continuous improvement to ensure high expectations and excellence in learning for all students. Mrs. Friberg is committed to engaging the community in meaningful and culturally appropriate ways to support the development of family, school and community partnerships. Connectivity and partnerships are essential for helping students achieve at their maximum potential.
Mrs. Gochberg and Mrs.Friberg have collaborated on various District initiatives over the past three years and most recently led the pilot and adoption of the District’s social and emotional learning curriculum. In addition to sharing the Superintendent duties, Mrs. Friberg continues to lead and oversee the Student Services Department and Mrs. Gochberg will oversee the Curriculum and Instruction Department.