Farewell Dr Robertson

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2020

Hello Somis School Families,

This is an important message from Somis Union School District. You are eligible to get $365 per child to help feed your family, in addition to any grab-n-go meals you may be getting. Because schools are closed due to COVID-19, families who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals can get extra food benefits to help feed their children. These food benefits are called Pandemic EBT or P-EBT. Since all students eat for free at Somis School, all students qualify for this benefit.

Families will get up to $365 per eligible child on a P-EBT card. You can use your P-EBT card like a debit card to buy food and groceries for your children.

Most families who receive CalFresh, CalWORKS, Medi-Cal or other social services benefits will get a P-EBT card in the mail before May 22. Please keep an eye out for this card in the mail over the next few weeks. Other families will need to complete a simple and quick online application before June 30, 2020.

For more information, visit ca.p-ebt.org/info.

Sincerely,

Somis Union School District

Somis Union School District Selects Dr. Jesus Vaca
as District Superintendent/Principal

After an extensive search, the Somis Union School District Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Jesus Vaca as their new district Superintendent/Principal.

Dr. Vaca has 29 years of experience in education. He has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels, and as an administrator in multicultural and bilingual programs. Most recently, Dr. Vaca served as the Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, for the Oxnard School District. As a leader, Dr. Vaca has focused on increasing academic performance, student engagement and attendance.

Somis Union Board President, Bob Fulkerson, stated, “There was an excellent pool of candidates to select from. Each of the candidates the Board interviewed brought different strengths. We were looking for the best match for Somis. We wanted someone who will continue to make Somis Union School District an exemplary place for students to learn, grow and flourish. We also wanted someone who wants to be actively involved in the Somis community. Dr. Vaca fits all those criteria. We are very fortunate that Jesus was interested in coming to our district.”

Dr. Vaca states in his letter of application that, “My overarching goal as Superintendent/Principal is to engage all stakeholders through strong ethical leadership grounded on transparency and clarity. I will work with the Board of Education to ensure that all students are well prepared for participation in the global economy of the 21st Century by forging strong relationships with students, teachers, staff, parents, and the Somis community. I strongly believe that connectivity to school is vital to creating an inclusive school environment. This can be attained through extra-curricular offerings, innovative programs, and active participation by all members of the school community.”

Dr. Vaca is described by Stan Mantooth, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, as someone who has high expectations for himself and is committed to excellence in public education and has the vision, energy, and skills to make it a reality. “He is a dedicated and knowledgeable educational leader who is an excellent fit for this position.”

Dr. Vaca will assume his official duties beginning July 1, 2020. To assist with a smooth transition, he will spend some time in the district during the months of May and June. This will give him the opportunity to work with Dr. Colleen Robertson, who is retiring after having served as the Somis Union School District Superintendent/Principal for the past nine years.

Dear Somis Families,

It has been such a joy to lead Somis School for the past nine years. As you know this will be my last year serving as Superintendent/Principal. I certainly never would have imagined that I would be ending my 32-year career in education with a world-wide pandemic going on. We are all hoping that we can get back to school soon. It is very hard each morning not seeing all of the smiling faces of our beautiful students and families.

In Your Service,
Dr. Robertson