Golden Valley High, Sequoia Charter welcome new leadership.

 

Salvador Frias Jr., who has been an assistant principal at Golden Valley High School for the past two years, has been named the school’s new principal, replacing founding principal Jacque Snyder, who is retiring this June. The appointment was confirmed by the Hart District Governing Board at its meeting Wednesday night, along with the appointment of Kathy Hunter as new principal of Sequoia Charter School.

           

Frias came to the Hart District in 2002 as an assistant principal at Sierra Vista Junior High. He also served as assistant principal at Canyon High School from 2004 to 2006. Before coming to the Hart District, he was assistant principal and then principal at Mojave High School. He also has been a teacher, coach and athletic director in previous assignments.

           

He was named Secondary Co-Administrator of the Year in 2005-2006 by the Association of California School Administrators for Region XV.  He also received the Hart District’s English Language Learners Administrator of the Year Award through the Los Angeles Office of Education.

           

“Sal is a perfect match for Golden Valley,” said Rochelle Neal, assistant superintendent of human resources and student services. “He embraces change and growth as an opportunity to learn and expand.  He is dedicated to improving student learning and equity for all students.  An enthusiastic leader, he is committed to bridging the achievement gap and developing a culture of rigor, relevance and respect.”

 

Frias holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from California State University, Chico, and earned his master’s degree in administrative education from CSU, San Bernardino. He is bilingual in Spanish and English.

           

Hunter has been with the Hart School District from 1998 to 2001 and again from 2003 to 2006, as a special education teacher. She has served as a program specialist in the Hart District since 2006. As the new principal at Sequoia, Hunter replaces Lori Andrews, who is moving on to a district office assignment.

           

[view:node_ad=5]Hunter holds a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in psychology, and a master’s degree in school counseling, plus an administrative credential.  In her current position, Hunter has offered support, workshops and mentoring to special education teachers across the district. Sequoia is a small charter school which serves students with severe emotional disturbances and others who do not function well in a large school environment.

           

“The Hart District if very fortunate to have Kathy Hunter move into this position,” Neal commented. “She is highly skilled and experienced in working with all levels of special education students.  She has a vast knowledge of special education law and programs. Kathy is innovative, student-centered, and collaborative. She is excited about transforming Sequoia into a model special education school.”

           

Both positions are effective July 1, 2008.