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Both Buellton schools begin year with new leaders

By Raiza Canelon/Staff Writer/rcanelon@syvnews.com

The two new principals starting this year in the Buellton Union School District agree that education is the key to success and that every minute of instruction counts for children.

Principal Kathy Fayram of Jonata Middle School acted as principal last year half the time and was a teacher the other half, but she will be full-time principal this year. At Oak Valley Elementary School, new principal Rob Bergan is a recent transplant to the district.

Fayram said she will miss being in the classroom with students but feels confident as principal she will continue to encourage students to succeed in class. She also holds high expectations for the 210 students in the upcoming year and believes that with the proper help, they all can reach their educational goals.

“We have wonderful students, supportive parents and a close-knit staff, which will really help students succeed in the coming years,” Fayram said.

She also looks forward to continuing programs that help students with study and organizational skills, such as “Wheel Class,” a transitional program geared toward sixth graders, and “Success” (previously known as AVID), a study program for students headed into high school.

“Even though the budget crisis has effected us, we are good on staff and have teachers that work really hard regardless of money

or not. We will continue to make school a positive environment

for students. I can’t wait until

the first day of school,” Fayram said.

Oak Valley Elementary School Principal Rob Bergan can’t wait until the first day of school either. He said he’s looking forward to working with teachers, staff and parents on achieving their students’ individual goals, which start fresh in the upcoming school year.

“I didn’t know a lot about the community before I came here this summer, but after seeing what will be available to the

students and the opportunities we offer to English-language learners, I know we can create something wonderful,” Bergan said.

He came to Oak Valley from Shell Beach Elementary, where he was principal for two years, and he taught at Santa Maria Bonita School District for eight years prior. He is teaching himself to speak Spanish so he can communicate better with students and parents who might not speak English well, or at all.

“Education is the key to success, and often times students get frustrated early in their school career and give up. Every day is a new start, and I am here to help change the minds of those who don’t think they can be good at school,” Bergan said.

Classes begin Wednesday, Aug. 26, at both Oak Valley and Jonata schools.