The San Benito High School District Board of Trustees voted and
approved Debbie Padilla as SBHS’s new principal, and also approved
an early retirement incentive for teachers at a special board
meeting held Monday afternoon.
The San Benito High School District Board of Trustees voted and approved Debbie Padilla as SBHS’s new principal, and also approved an early retirement incentive for teachers at a special board meeting held Monday afternoon.
Padilla will leave her current job as assistant principal at Live Oak High School, along with the nutty acorn mascot, in exchange for a baler pitchfork this fall.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be coming to San Benito,” Padilla said. “Every time I’ve been down here, the people are just so friendly.”
Padilla, who lives in Gilroy, has been an administrator at Live Oak for four years, and had many years of experience in the classroom under her belt before becoming an assistant principal. Along with being bilingual, Padilla has a lot of experience with English language learner programs, and Director of Human Resources Evelyn Muro said she’s confident Padilla will fit right in.
“She’ll be a wonderful addition to the staff,” Muro said. “She really has a comprehensive understanding of secondary schools and she clearly articulates what she sees for the school.”
California Teachers Association Representative Clete Bradford was present to welcome Padilla on board, and also to share the news about the early retirement incentive with a number of eager teachers waiting for his phone call.
Superintendent Jean Burns Slater opened the doors from the closed session meeting to announce the board had approved an early retirement incentive for teachers who meet certain requirements. If an educator is older than 50 and has been teaching for more than 30 years, or is older than 55 and has been teaching at least five years, the district will add two additional years into their retirement package. For example, English Teacher Jill Clark-Kunichhas taught for 35 years, but if she retires now she will receive retirement benefits for 37 years of work. Kunich said her letter will be ready tomorrow and she’s pleased the board has decided to give the teachers this option.
“It makes it more feasible for me to go now, rather than having to stay a few more years,” she said.
Bradford said there are at least five other teachers and one administrator he knows of who are excited about taking the incentive.
“I think it’s great for the teachers,” he said. “It’s a reward for those who have given a lot to the school. They’re going to be very happy and very missed.”
Martha Gioia has been teaching English for 19 years and is ecstatic about taking the offer.
“My husband retired two years ago and we have plans,” she said. “We have a life to live. Plus, it’s an amicable way of sending off retirees. The teachers gain and the district gains, and I’m thrilled not to be grading anymore papers.”
Teachers have until July 26 to turn in their resignation papers, and Slater said she’s pleased the district was able to offer the deal.
“It encourages people to retire before they’re worn out,” she said.
Christine Tognetti can be reached at 637-5566, ext. 331 or at [email protected].
