SMMUSD has yet to appoint new Samo principal

Molly ChaikinStaff WriterThough Samo principal Dr.  Hugo Pedroza will be leaving his post as principal on July 1, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) has yet to find someone to replace him, causing some concern among parents, teachers, staff and students.Though finding the right person is taking longer than expected, many are optimistic about what that might mean in the long run.“I’m hoping they choose a candidate sooner rather than later, but I’d rather we find the right candidate than to settle for someone who is less than great.” H-House Principal Leslie Wells said.The selection process for the position is a lengthy one, according to Debbie Mulvaney, PTA President. The district is involving Samohi staff and parents in the process of holding interviews and background checks for the candidates. According to Mulvaney, the next round of interviews will be held June 17.The effort devoted to the selection process is commensurate with the high expectations students, teachers, Samo admin and parents have for the position.“As a representative of the parents, I am looking for someone who is collaborative, strong academically, a good communicator, a good people manager and motivator and most importantly, a good leader who can move Samo forward,” Mulvaney said.Many characterize the position as a challenge for the new principal, because it will require him or her to balance all of the elements of this diverse and comprehensive high school.“Samo is an interesting school to come to as a principal because it’s not as unified as we’d like. There are lots of really bright kids thriving in separate areas. In our own separate ‘cubbies,’ per se,” Sophomore and Student Member of the Board Caroline Huber said. “We could show the principal that we’re going to welcome them by trying to unify the school more as clubs coming together. There are so many different things happening at Samo and it’s hard to connect them. If we can, though, we can unite to show how great a school we are.”According to an announcement made in an email he sent to staff on April 25, Pedroza will move on to work as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at Lompoc Unified School District in Santa Barbara County effective July 1.mchaikin@thesamohi.com