[KHTS] – The Hart School District is happy to announce two new Junior High School Principals were selected at the regular Hart District Governing Board meeting held on May 21, 2014, to replace two principals who were promoted to high school positions, following the announcements of two high school principal retirements at the end of this school year.

Vince Ferry will take the helm of Rio Norte Junior High School and Carolyn Hoffman will lead Sierra Vista Junior High School, following the promotions of Rio Norte principal John Costanzo and Sierra Vista principal Mark Crawford to Valencia High and West Ranch High, respectively.

Retirement announcements of Dr. Paul Priesz of Valencia High School and Mr. Bob Vincent from West Ranch High School triggered these openings. Both Ferry and Hoffman bring extensive leadership experience as current assistant principals to their new positions.

Vince Ferry – New principal Rio Norte Junior High School

Ferry has served as assistant principal of Valencia High School since 2007 leading the school’s professional development, chairing the WASC self-study resulting in a 6-year clear full term accreditation, and developed and implemented the strategic plan for transition to Common Core.

Additionally, Ferry oversees and monitors the English Learner program, hires new teachers and support staff, supervises school wide technology, supervises associated student body programs and budget and organizes open house, back to school night, assemblies, 8^th grade orientations and supervised the health office to name a few of his responsibilities.

Previously, Ferry was the activities director from 2002 to 2007, and a resource specialist from 1996-2002 at Valencia High School and first joined the District as a special day class teacher at Canyon High School from 1994 to 1996.

Ferry earned his Bachelor of Arts in history from University of Oregon in 1992, a Master’s of Science in special education from University of Oregon in 1994, a special education credential in 1994, single subject credential in social science and specialist instruction credential in special education from National University in 1999 and a Tier Two administrative credential in 2009.

Ferry was the captain of the University of Oregon football team from 1991-1992 and the Valencia High School Teacher of the Year in 2007.

“It’s an honor to join the great Rio Norte family as its new principal,” Ferry said. “I look forward to working with the students, staff, and parents and continuing to support the great traditions that have been set in place.”

Carolyn Hoffman – New principal Sierra Vista Junior High School

Hoffman has served as assistant principal of Golden Valley High School since June 2008, where she was part of the leadership team that helped guide students toward an API increase of nearly 50 points and CAHSEE rates in English up 5% and Math 8%.

In her current position, Hoffman serves as administrative liaison for English, English Learner Development, social studies, electives, performing arts, journalism, yearbook, video production, intramurals, health office, ASB, attendance, technology, ROP / Career Center and facility and custodial departments. Hoffman oversees all master calendar events, approves and schedules all transportation requests and coordinates back to school nights and open house, teacher and classified staff evaluations to name a few of her responsibilities.

Previously, Hoffman was an English and AVID teacher at Golden Valley High School from 2004 to 2008 and was also the ELD coordinator and cheer advisor. Hoffman first came to the district in 2000 as a teacher at Golden Oak School, and had previously taught in New Jersey and Los Angeles since 1991.

Hoffman earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Loyola Marymount University in 1991 and her Master’s in Education from CSU Bakersfield in 2003 and earned her administrative credential, Tier One in 2003 and Tier Two in 2010.

Hoffman is the recipient of numerous awards including Teacher of the Year from Golden Oak Adult School in 2004, Teacher of the Year from Golden Valley in 2008, Santa Clarita Valley Chapter of the Association of California School Administrators Secondary Co-Administrator Award in 2013 and ACSA Region XV Secondary Co-Administrator Award in 2013.

“I am so honored to have been selected as principal at Sierra Vista Junior High School and look forward to collaborating and working with all the students, staff, parents and community members,” Hoffman said. “While I will sincerely miss the supportive staff, students, parents and community members that I have worked with for the last 10 years at Golden Valley High School, I will take with me fond memories, my never ending Grizzly Pride, and a huge sense of gratitude for my experiences at GV along with my personal commitment to service, hard work, dedication, and passion for students.”

The Hart School District welcomes Vince Ferry to Rio Norte Junior High School and Carolyn Hoffman to Sierra Vista Junior High School! Both assignments begin July 1st.