As second semester began this week, Sweetwater Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Edward Brand made some administrative changes.
Virginia Sandoval-Johnson, current principal at Castle Park High, will be taking over as principal at Bonita Vista Middle School. Currently the principal duties at Bonita Vista Middle were being handled by Bettina Batista, who had retained her post as principal at Bonita Vista High simultaneously.
Assuming the role of principal at Castle Park High is Dr. Thomas Glover, who currently serves as a director is the district's Human Resources Department. Glover, who is a graduate of Castle Park High, has served as an assistant principal at Southwest High School and Eastlake High School. Before being named as director in Human Resources in 2009, Glover served as principal of Eastlake Elementary School.
In informing staff today, Dr. Brand said the moves were made to match each person's strength.
"Ms. Sandoval-Johnson's passion lies at the middle school level," Brand said. "As principal at Castle Park Middle, student achievement increased significantly each year. She brings that successful focus to the students and staff at Bonita Vista Middle."
Brand said Glover is a great fit because he grew up in the neighborhood.
"Castle Park High is a school with strong traditions," Brand said. "Dr. Glover understands those traditions because he's lived them."
In naming a permanent principal to Bonita Vista Middle, Brand said it was in the best interest of both campuses.
"Ms. Batista made a noble effort in running both Bonita Vista Middle and Bonita Vista High, but this is a win-win-win situation for the district," he said.