Courtesy photo.
VENTURA COUNTY — After an extensive search, the Somis Union School District Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Jesus Vaca as their new district Superintendent/Principal.
Dr. Vaca has 29 years of experience in education. He has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels, and as an administrator in multicultural and bilingual programs. Most recently, Dr. Vaca served as the Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, for the Oxnard School District. As a leader, Dr. Vaca has focused on increasing academic performance, student engagement and attendance.
Somis Union Board President, Bob Fulkerson, stated, “There was an excellent pool of candidates to select from. Each of the candidates the Board interviewed brought different strengths. We were looking for the best match for Somis. We wanted someone who will continue to make Somis Union School District an exemplary place for students to learn, grow and flourish. We also wanted someone who wants to be actively involved in the Somis community. Dr. Vaca fits all those criteria. We are very fortunate that Jesus was interested in coming to our district.”
Dr. Vaca states in his letter of application that, “My overarching goal as Superintendent/Principal is to engage all stakeholders through strong ethical leadership grounded on transparency and clarity. I will work with the Board of Education to ensure that all students are well prepared for participation in the global economy of the 21st Century by forging strong relationships with students, teachers, staff, parents, and the Somis community. I strongly believe that connectivity to school is vital to creating an inclusive school environment. This can be attained through extra-curricular offerings, innovative programs, and active participation by all members of the school community.”
Dr. Vaca is described by Stan Mantooth, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, as someone who has high expectations for himself and is committed to excellence in public education and has the vision, energy, and skills to make it a reality. “He is a dedicated and knowledgeable educational leader who is an excellent fit for this position.”
Dr. Vaca will assume his official duties beginning July 1, 2020. To assist with a smooth transition, he will spend some time in the district during the months of May and June. This will give him the opportunity to work with Dr. Colleen Robertson, who is retiring after having served as the Somis Union School District Superintendent/Principal for the past nine years.
About the Ventura County Office of Education — The Ventura County Office of Education provides a broad array of fiscal, training and technology support services to local school districts, helping to maintain and improve lifelong educational opportunities for children, educators and community members. VCOE also operates schools that serve students with severe disabilities and behavioral issues, provides career education courses, and coordinates countywide academic competitions including Mock Trial and the Ventura County Science Fair. Learn more at: www.vcoe.org.