Newhall district selects next leader
Jeff Pelzel set to replace retiring superintendent, Paul Cordeiro
The Newhall School District governing board announced on Thursday that it has found the next superintendent of the Newhall School District.
The district’s current Assistant Superintendent Jeff Pelzel will be appointed to succeed retiring superintendent Paul Cordeiro, pending approval by Governing Board Members at its next regularly scheduled meeting on May 22.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead and support the amazing groups of students, teachers and staff in our community,” Pelzel said between the flurry of congratulation texts and emails. “I just want to help them continue to get better at the many things we’re already great at.”
The board conducted a thorough search that included input from the community and staff, officials said. Through that process, Pelzel emerged as the board’s unanimous choice to lead the district beginning July 1.
“He is passionate about his work and will give every ounce of his dedication to our students, their parents, staff and community,” Board President Phillip Ellis said.
Pelzel has been the district’s assistant superintendent since 2014. In that time, he has led the district through a period of rapid change in California public education.
“From new state standards to new state assessments to a new state accountability system,” Ellis said, “(Pelzel) has demonstrated a remarkable ability to bring everyone along, maintaining the district’s
standing as a year-to-year leader in academic excellence.”
With the great work Pelzel has done for the district, Ellis said other members of the board agreed the district’s current assistant superintendent was uniquely equipped to lead the district
and continue its record of academic success.
“Jeff’s depth of knowledge about instruction and his dedication to public education was evident when we hired him as assistant superintendent,” said Marc Winger, former superintendent of the Newhall School District. “He took a great instructional program to even greater heights. I’m excited for him and looking forward to what he can do as superintendent.”
A native of Selah, Washington, Pelzel started his career as a mathematics and psychology teacher in Selah. He held various posts in the Kent, Moses Lake and Selah school districts before finding his way to the Newhall district.
As superintendent of the Newhall district, Pelzel will be responsible for the oversight of 10 elementary schools that have earned notoriety for being named Gold Ribbon Award schools, Blue Ribbon Award schools, Honor Roll schools and Title 1 Achieving Award schools.
“With his comprehensive knowledge of the district,” Ellis said, “and his familiarity among the district’s stakeholders, particularly teachers, Mr. Pelzel will hit the ground running, fostering positive relationships and moving forward with current initiatives that position the district for future successes.