Romero named Richland superintendent

The Richland School District has named interim Superintendent Rosa Romero as the district's permanent superintendent, signing a three-year contract. Romero had been the interim superintendent since late 2019, after the resignation of Dago Garcia. She is facing a school year that has begun with distance learning, which has been a requirement for districts in counties on the state's watch list.

Recently Governor Newsom announced that schools will be allowed to open the school site for a limited number of students, with an emphasis on allowing special education students to return, as those students have the greatest need for in-person learning.

Romero said the interview and selection process was a long one, but that it didn't involve any other candidates, with the district focusing its attention on securing Romero for the position.

"I think that I am a really good fit for the position, with my years of experience here in Shafter, and the relationship I have with the existing administration and the teachers," she said.

Romero said the biggest challenge facing the district is the importance of giving children a quality education in this difficult time. "It is challenging, but we are dedicated to giving our kids a quality education, be it from a distance or in person," she said.

Romero and her staff had had a plan in place that involved allowing students to return to school for the fall semester. Newsom's announcement forced the district to switch to distance learning. The district then created a program that has the children able to do independent work throughout the day, while different groups read or do work with the teacher. The teacher is online all day, available for any problems that the students may have.

Romero has been with the district for over two decades, serving in a variety of positions from teaching to administration. Her administrative positions include migrant resource coordinator, from 1993-1996; assistant principal from 1996-2007; and principal of Sequoia Elementary, as well as Richland Junior High.

She also was director of family and support services, providing specialized services for students and families in Shafter. She helped provide a safe, accessible place for families to connect with comprehensive and coordinated services that help strengthen families and help them be self reliant.

Romero said the district is creating a new vision in Shafter which includes giving the children an education that will make them ready for high school, college, the workforce, and a global economy that is changing daily. "We are fortunate to have such a great family of schools, administrators, students and parents who put the kids first," she said.

Board of Trustees member Deanna Rodriguez-Root said the district is very fortunate to have such a wonderful administrator who cares so much for the district and its students.