Administration
James Morris, Ed.D.
County Administrator, Inglewood Unified School District
Dr. James Morris began his career in education forty-three years ago as a teacher and has served a principal, an assistant superintendent, Chief of Staff, Chief Operating Officer, and a variety of other administrative positions. After serving for thirty years in the Los Angeles Unified School District, he was selected as the Superintendent of the Fremont Unified School District where he served for 7 years. After retirement, he continued to serve in a variety of administrative roles. In January 2023, he accepted a position as County Administrator of the Inglewood Unified School District and is committed to helping the district exit receivership.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, a Master's degree in Educational Administration, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).
Deputy Superintendent
Bernadette Lucas has been an educator for over 28 years. She came to education through Teach For America (1991). She has most recently served as the Director of Technology for Beverly Hills Unified School District. She served in the Los Angeles Unified School District for 23 years as a Teacher, Title I Coordinator, Advisor and Assistant Director for a teacher credentialing program, Assistant Principal, Principal, Mentor Principal, and Director of Technology. She also teaches in the School Leadership Program at California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Her career has been committed to equity, access, and social justice for all students. She is passionate about ensuring that each student has access to a world class education that prepares them to not only be successful, but to also thrive in a changing world. Dr. Lucas earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia and her Master in Educational Leadership from California State University, Los Angeles. She graduated from the University of Southern California in May 2019 with a Doctorate in K-12 Leadership.
Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
Dr. Brian Coffey has been an educator in the Inglewood Unified School District since 1997. In 2003 he was awarded the Bill Ellis Teaching Award from the National Center for Learning Disabilities for excellence in practice and a commitment to students with learning and attention issues. In 2008, he earned a Doctor of Education Degree from USC’s Rossier School of Education, with a focus on Teacher Education.
Dr. Coffey served as Principal of Kelso Elementary School from 2012-2019, and helped convert Beulah Payne Elementary to Payne P-8 STEAM Academy during his tenure as the school's Principal from 2019-2023. He has been a Board Member of the Inglewood Educational Foundation since 2012, and this year served as Secretary of the Inglewood Management Association. In addition, he is a Lecturer at Cal State University, Dominguez Hills.
Assistant Superintendent, Business Services/Chief Business Official
Mr. Bhatta has extensive experience in California school finance and has played a critical role in maintaining the district's fiscal stability through comprehensive budget development, multi-year financial projections, collective bargaining cost analyses, cash flow forecasting, and ongoing monitoring of restricted and unrestricted funding sources.
He has led numerous fiscal initiatives, including budget certification, audit coordination, financial recovery efforts, implementation of new financial management systems, and the development of long-range fiscal sustainability plans. His collaborative leadership with district administration, governing boards, labor partners, the Los Angeles County Office of Education, and state agencies has helped strengthen fiscal accountability, transparency, and operational efficiency.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Bhatta served as the Executive Director of Fiscal Services and Facilities Accountant for the Inglewood Unified School District. Before entering public education, he held financial leadership positions in the private sector, where he managed budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit functions. His experience across both public and private sectors provides him with a comprehensive understanding of organizational finance, strategic planning, operational management, and risk mitigation.
Mr. Bhatta earned a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills. He is dedicated to advancing educational excellence through responsible fiscal stewardship, transparent governance, and innovative business practices that support student achievement and organizational success.
Dr. Ugema Hosea has dedicated more than three decades to serving the students, families, and community of the Inglewood Unified School District. Beginning her career in IUSD in 1994 as an elementary educator, she has served in numerous instructional and administrative leadership roles, including teacher, program coordinator, assistant principal, principal, executive director, and district-level leader. Her commitment to educational excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including IUSD Teacher of the Year and multiple IUSD Principal of the Year awards.
Throughout her career, Dr. Hosea has demonstrated a strong record of improving student achievement, strengthening instructional programs, and expanding opportunities for students. Under her leadership, Kelso Elementary earned California Distinguished School recognition, and during her service at Daniel Freeman Elementary, the school received a Title I Student Achievement Award. As principal of La Tijera K-8 Academy of Excellence, she led significant school transformation, including the implementation of schoolwide AVID, and participated in the Innovation Lab Network in partnership with the California Department of Education and the Council of Chief State School Officers. Her leadership and service have also been recognized with a California Senate Award and an Inglewood City Honor Award.
Dr. Hosea currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for Inglewood Unified School District, providing leadership and oversight for academic programs and working alongside principals, teachers, district leaders, and community partners to strengthen teaching and learning across schools. With more than 30 years of service to Inglewood Unified, her leadership is grounded in collaboration, accountability, equity, innovation, and a commitment to ensuring that every student has access to meaningful educational opportunities and the support needed to succeed.
With more than 30 years of service to Inglewood Unified, Dr. Hosea brings both institutional knowledge and a forward-thinking perspective to her leadership. She remains deeply committed to the students, families, staff, and community of Inglewood and to ensuring that every student has access to rigorous, engaging, and meaningful educational opportunities that prepare them for future success.
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District Leadership Team
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Jordan Miles |
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Dr. Dawnyell Goolsby |
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Isabel Soto |
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Julio Morales |
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John Nunez |
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Dr. Kristopher Vegas |
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Renee Wohlgemuth
Director II, Risk Management
[email protected] |
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Debra Tate
Director, Community Schools and Attendance |
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Nayeli Chacon |
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Faye Armstrong
Director II, Food Services
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Tiffany Egan
Director II, Human Resources |
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Dr. Kiwiana Cain
Director II, Safety and Student Support
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Giorgia Diomedes
Director II, Special Education Services
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