The start of a new school year is a good time to remind parents and guardians of their vital role in making learning a priority for their children.
          Countless research findings have shown that something as simple as a daily conversation about the school day conveys interest and value in a child’s education. Questions such as “What is something you learned today?” or “What are you reading in school?” kindle important parent-child dialogue about day-to-day activities in the classroom. Whether done in the car on the way home, over an afterschool snack, or at the dinner, this kind of rich conversation leads to students feeling they matter and their parents care.
          Also important for parents/guardians is to get to know the educators working with their children. In the Orcutt Union School District, we traditionally have planned parent-teacher conference opportunities early in the fall so both parties can be partners in setting goals for the year and setting up students for success. 
           Always available to support parents and guardians are our school principals and vice-principals. For 2026-2027, 11 of our school leaders are either new or in new places, and for everyone’s reference we are listing them here.
          The new principal and vice-principal of Orcutt Academy High School are Jared Banks and Scott Alvarez respectively. Banks has been principal of three elementary schools in our district; Alvarez comes over from the vice-principalship at Lakeview Junior High School.
“Over the past decade I have had multiple experiences with the high school, both as a staff member and as a parent, and every instance I walk away impressed and proud to be connected with OAHS,” says Banks. “My goal is to keep the positive momentum moving.”
Lisa Melby, a veteran principal who last worked in the Buellton School District, is the new leader of Alice Shaw School. Her vice-principal will be Kiersten Lopes, who also serves as VP of Pine Grove School.
          “I’ve had an amazing first month of school at Alice Shaw,” Melby shares. “One of the things that has stood out to me most is the strong sense of community at Shaw. There is such a wonderful partnership between our staff and families, and you can feel the pride people have in our school.”
          Joe Nightingale School’s new principal and vice-principal are Andy Spear and Marissa Higgs respectively. Spear previously has been a vice-principal at two sites in Orcutt and principal of a large private school in Redlands.
          “I am honored to now lead as principal here,” says Spear. “I chose to serve in Orcutt because of our collective commitment to the ‘whole child’ – weaving together positive relationships, trust, and quality learning experiences to ensure every student feels safe and empowered to flourish.”
          Matt Boger and Abby Britton respectively are the new principal and vice-principal of Patterson Road School. Boger was promoted from the VP position at the same school; Britton is new to Orcutt.
          “Patterson Road’s school community means everything to me,” Boger says. “As both a parent and principal, I view every student who walks through our doors as my own. It is an absolute privilege to help build the safe and nurturing environment that all our children deserve.”
Pine Grove School’s vice-principal last year, Adam Alcoser, has risen to the school’s principalship. He will be supported by Lopes as vice-principal.
          “Being Pine Grove’s principal is truly an honor and means leading a school that feels like a family – a safe, welcoming home where our kids can truly thrive,” remarks Alcoser. “I’m so proud of our strong foundation in academics but even prouder of the heart, care, and community that make this place so special.”
          Our junior high schools have new vice-principals. Jillian Bailey comes over from Alice Shaw to be VP at Lakeview JHS. Newcomer Rolando Grijalva is VP at Orcutt JHS.
          We are excited to have all of these dedicated educators in leadership roles on our campuses this school year. If you frequent any of these schools, they would love to say hello!