The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees appointed Jennifer Smalley as Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction Preschool through Grade 5 at the Board of Trustees’ December 11 meeting.
Ms. Smalley began her career in education twenty-eight years ago when she accepted her first teaching position at Shorecliffs Middle School. During this time, she has served the students of Capistrano Unified in a variety of leadership roles including Teaching Assistant Principal, Assistant Principal, and Principal. These experiences have provided her the opportunity to facilitate, develop and build professional learning communities, and elevate student academic success.
Previously, Ms. Smalley also served as a Teacher on Special Assignment for K-12 reading and literacy, which provided her the unique opportunity to become an expert in curriculum and instruction. In this capacity, Ms. Smalley developed a K-8 Balanced Literacy Rollout, presented professional learning for teachers, administrators and instructional assistants, and conducted program evaluation for reading curriculum, summer school literacy programs, and reading intervention programs. Smalley also assisted with the rollout of DIBELS, which is used to assess early childhood literacy from Kindergarten to grade 6.
“I am honored to begin working with our elementary principals and staff. The foundations we set in elementary education lay the groundwork for our students’ success through middle and high school, and into college and career,” said Smalley.
As Principal of San Juan Hills High School, Ms. Smalley’s intentional focus on her site’s mission, vision, and learning goals has led to increased student achievement in State testing, higher enrollment in AP courses, and the expansion of college and career pathways.
“With the addition of Jen Smalley, we are prioritizing even greater resources on our younger students,” said Superintendent Vital. “Our goal is to improve outcomes and increase success and opportunities for young people as they prepare for middle school, high school, and beyond.”
The Board of Trustees appointed Tim Hornig, Executive Director of Secondary Education to fill the Principalship at San Juan Hills High School for the remainder of the 2019 school year, with recruitment for a permanent replacement taking place in the spring. “Mr. Hornig is an experienced Principal, and I appreciate his willingness to serve in this capacity to support our schools,” said Superintendent Kirsten Vital.