Angel Rivera has been named the new principal of San Andreas
Continuation High School and the alternative schools of San Benito
County.
Hollister – Just one week before the first day of school, Angel Rivera has been named the new principal of San Andreas Continuation High School and the alternative schools of San Benito County.
The office of education offered the job to Rivera on Monday. He accepted the job and started work that morning. He was chosen to replace longtime Principal Mike Sanchez, promoted in the spring to assistant superintendent in charge of alternative education and support programs.
Rivera comes to the alternative education program from Dixon Unified School District – near Sacramento – where he was director of the English language learners program. Prior to that, he had worked for many years in Monterey-area schools.
“I’m all about kids succeeding,” Rivera said. “I want to make sure there’s no dropouts whatsoever. We’re going to teach them like rocket scientists, and from there they can decide where they want to go.”
As principal of the alternative schools, Rivera will work under Sanchez, who’s still involved with the program. Sanchez said he was excited about the hiring.
“Our vision (for the alternative education program) is unfolding before us,” he said. “What we’re doing is adding people to the team.”
Rivera will provide direct support to the kids and families in the alternative schools, Sanchez said. While Sanchez, meanwhile, plans to focus on expanding and developing the program.
San Benito County Office of Education Superintendent Tim Foley said he felt fortunate to find a strong replacement for Sanchez.
“This is a critical position in our community,” Foley said. “The principal of San Andreas certainly is a major educational figure for a large segment of our community. We’re happy to get someone who is an educational leader that understands the importance of the school in the community.”
The principal of the alternative schools watches over San Andreas High School, Santa Ana Opportunity School, Pinnacles Community School and Pinnacles Court School. As of fall 2006, these schools had an enrollment of slightly more than 300 students, according to the county office of education.
Rivera was chosen as principal for his experience and knowledge of the alternative education culture, Foley said.
Having been raised in a large family, with the majority of his siblings attending alternative schools, Rivera said he was attracted to the job because he “identi(fies) with the kids.”
“I grew up with the same background,” he said.
Rivera grew up in Salinas in a family of 16. He used to pick apricots in Hollister with his family, he said.
While he was originally from the Central Coast region, Rivera said he is looking forward to returning and joining the San Benito County community.
“I’m excited about being here,” Rivera said. “It’s a growing district and a growing community. I’m looking forward to getting to know the community.”
Alice Joy covers education and health for the Free Lance. She can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 336 or at aj**@fr***********.com.
