The Continental Elementary School District Governing Board has selected Roxana Rico as the District’s new superintendent. Rico will fill the vacancy created by the by the departure of Dr. Scott Hagerman, who was selected to be the superintendent of the Tanque Verde Unified School District.
Ruth Bennett, Continental Governing Board President stated, “This was a difficult choice for the board and one we took very seriously. We liked so many things about the finalists.”
“We spent many hours looking over applicants, interviewing those who made the first cut, watching and listening to the questions of teachers, staff, parents and others in the community and the responses by the candidates,” said Bennett. “We spent additional time reviewing comments from all stakeholders and discussing the pros and cons of the finalists. We even solicited answers to additional questions from the finalists.”
“Our decision to offer the position to Roxana Rico was unanimous,” explained Bennett. “We feel confident that she offers the skills and knowledge to continue the great work of Dr. Hagerman and is the leader Continental needs to continue our growth and improvement.”
“We are all looking forward to working with Roxana Rico,” concluded Bennett.
“I am honored to serve the outstanding community of Continental as their Superintendent,” stated Rico. “All my energies will be dedicated to continuing the excellent programs already in place and facilitate the District’s growth and success.”
“The Board felt that the search for superintendent required a totally different approach from the past,” said Board member Sergio Arellano. “For starters we did not go to ASBA for help, nor did we spend thousands of dollars in advertising for a new position. The approach was a one hundred percent grassroots approach in which the community, along with our outgoing superintendent, used their networks to encourage people to apply.”
“Of the numerous applications and resumes we received, the Board narrowed the list down to three phenomenal candidates. Of the three, the one that shined through the entire process was Roxana Rico. Her vision, references, and ties to the Continental School District proved to be in line with the vision and direction that the Board is taking the District,” said Arellano. “I look forward to working alongside Superintendent Rico in fighting for higher teacher pay, robust and rigorous curriculum, and more parental involvement as we build upon the progress and relationships formed between parents, staff and teachers by outgoing Superintendent Dr. Scott Hagerman.”
Rico beat out Michael Konrad, who currently serves as TUSD’s Director of Schools for Middle School Leadership, and Daniel Erickson, TUSD’s Director of Advanced Learning Experiences.
Rico is currently serving as Director of K-8 Curriculum & Instruction at the Sunnyside Unified School District.