San Benito County’s alternative education program has yet to
find a replacement principal, but county administrators say
recently promoted Mike Sanchez will continue filling the role until
they find his successor.
Hollister – San Benito County’s alternative education program has yet to find a replacement principal, but county administrators say recently promoted Mike Sanchez will continue filling the role until they find his successor.
The leadership position for the county’s alternative education schools – including San Andreas Continuation High School, Santa Ana Opportunity School and Pinnacles Community and Court Schools – has been open since May. So far, the San Benito County Office of Education has received one applicant, whom officials hope to interview by week’s end, Associate Superintendent Susan Villa said.
Villa said they are optimistic the applicant is a good fit. And she noted how it has been difficult attracting a replacement.
“It’s very hard to find someone at this time of year,” Villa said.
If officials can’t find a successor before school starts August 20, Sanchez will continue the principal duties until one is found.
The county Office of Education promoted Sanchez from the principal role – which he held for more than 20 years – to the new position of assistant superintendent for alternative education.
Under this new role, Sanchez remains in charge of alternative education while focusing on expanding the program.
“He will focus on making sure every child has the opportunity for an alternative education if they need one,” Villa said.
One possible change involves the potential for creating an alternative program for pregnant students, Villa said.
While developing new education programs, Sanchez’s duties also will include helping students with exit exam preparations and creating a new school attendance review board.
Sanchez’s move to create a new attendance review board, to address the county’s truancy problems, is one of his key priorities, Villa said.
If a replacement principal is not found, however, many of the other projects will take a back seat while Sanchez continues his role as principal.
“If we don’t find somebody, (Sanchez) won’t be able to start some of those other responsibilities,” Villa said.
But Villa said she was confident Sanchez could fill both roles. She said none of the alternative schools would suffer as a result of the absence.
Alice Joy covers education and health for the Free Lance. She can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 336 or at [email protected].
