SMJUHSD Student Services will be upgraded with a new administrative position and two assistant principals.
Former SMHS Assistant Principal of Student Affairs Pete Flores will serve as the new Director of Student Services. Ernest Righetti High School’s Assistant Principal of Guidance and Counseling is Floyd Eugene “Gene” Rickman, while Ivan Diaz takes over as Santa Maria High School’s Assistant Principal of Student Affairs.
The focus of the position for Flores is resolving student discipline issues, attendance, alternative education programs, safety and committee, community and SARB outreach. Flores joined the district in the summer of 2010.
“I have come to realize that my high school and life experience is not the same as the students,’’ Flores said. “Though I do try to use my personal experiences to figure out how to best hold students accountable for their actions, while simultaneously motivating and inspiring them to do better. Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.’’
Rickman, who replaces retired Assistant Principal Dave Hutton, has been an educator for 23 years including eight as an administrator. Rickman previously was the Lakeview Junior High School Vice Principal for the Orcutt Union School District.
“I am excited about this opportunity to work with the Righetti community and make a positive impact,’’ Rickman said.
Diaz began teaching in 1991 and been an administrator since 2008, spending the lion’s share of that time with the Kern High School District at Mira Monte High School. He’s also coached football and track for about 20 years. Diaz’s last position was Assistant Principal of Administration with KHSD. Diaz fills the vacancy left by Flores.
“It’s an honor to be part of the Saints family and I can’t wait to get started,’’ Diaz said. “The value of education and working hard produces positive results.’’