After three years at SCHS, Vice Principal Antonio Vela will be departing to become the new interim principal of New Valley High School, it was announced at last week’s SCUSD board meeting. According to Vela, his role will be a “trial period” before he’s officially assigned the principal position.

“I have mixed emotions,” Vela said about the promotion. “I am saddened that I will not be seeing and visiting our students every day, but I am excited to be going to a new school and community where I can help them continue to succeed.”

Although it comes as a surprise to most, the change has been in the works for several months, according to Principal Gregory Shelby. Vela didn’t apply for the position, but he was aware that he was being considered by the school district’s Human Resources Department for the job. He was then selected and ratified by the school board. Fully supporting him, Shelby had given Vela a “glowing recommendation.”

The process and transfer will be fairly smooth, according to Shelby, and SCHS will have a new Vice Principal by August, in time for the next school year. Shelby added that SCHS is in a good position to receive a new administrator, as the school is currently very stable.

“[Vela’s] a great administrator, and New Valley will be well served to have him in the lead,” Shelby said.