Jon LeDoux's last entry....Welcome Mr. Ruiz

It's incredibly hard to say goodbye to people and places that you've grown to love. This difficulty is facing me now as I leave HUSD for the last time today. I have had an incredible four years in this great school district, working with the most wonderfully dedicated people I have ever met.

As I reflect on the past four years, I realize that together we have accomplished quite a bit. A few of the things that come to mind:

• Not only surviving, but thriving in one of the most depressed economic times of our history. HUSD has continued to add new programs, maintain our schools and properly staff our sites without having to lay off teachers, reduce pay or require furlough days.
• Academically, we have improved significantly. Our District and site API's have risen and our graduation rate is one of the highest in the state of California. Additionally, we added a community service requirement to our high school graduation requirements so our students can be better prepared to face the "real world."
• Holtville High School became a California Distinguished School and was recently recognized by US News and World Report as one of the "Best High Schools in the United States"
• We survived the great earthquake. Not only did we survive, we didn't miss a single day of school, despite the fact that we had major damage at the middle school and some damage at our other sites. The school board took swift action to make sure repairs were done immediately so our students would be able to attend safe and secure schools.
• We made many improvements to our facilities. Finley and Pine's cafeterias were both updated. The high school now has indoor cafeteria seating. At the high school we also have a new scoreboard, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, more green grassy areas and a new concession stand on the football field. This expansion of facilities has also allowed us to restart our tennis program for both boys and girls, adding to the many opportunities our students have to participate in sports.
• The Freedom Academy of Imperial Valley was founded. FAIV offers homeschool for grades K-8 and an online/hybrid high school options, the first of its kind in Imperial Valley. Enrollment has already exceeded expectations and I'm sure the program will just continue to grow in the coming years.

The list goes on and on and on.....

I am so proud to have been here the past four years and being a part of the great things happening at HUSD. I am thrilled that Celso Ruiz is now the superintendent.  I know that his vast knowledge, experience and personality will serve him well in his new position.  I will be watching now from a distance as Holtville Schools continue to grow and prosper. I wish everyone in this wonderful town the very best of everything.

Jon LeDoux

Open Letter to the Staff of HUSD

As the school year comes to a close, I would like to thank you again for all you do for the students of Holtville. I think we have a great team of professionals in our District – certificated, classified and management staff that are all working to make sure our students receive the best education possible. While we have many challenges ahead, I’m reassured in the fact that we have a community of caring educators that want only the best for our students and are willing to do what is necessary to ensure their success.

I also want to wish our very best to all of those who are leaving us this year. I’ve appreciated your dedication over the years and hope that your future will shine brightly and that you enjoy whatever it brings you. 

A special thanks to those who are retiring this year – Jacki, Nancy, Lynne, Bob, Kim and Carol. You’ve earned your retirement through hard work and a deep commitment to the students in our schools. Make the most of your retirement, and feel free to stop by and see us every now and then.

To those that are returning, I hope you have a restful, enjoyable summer break.

I will look forward to seeing you all back at school on August 23^rd as we prepare for another year at HUSD!

Jon

Former Criminal to take the helm at Holtville High

 

HUSD is pleased to announce that Holtville High School’s next principal will be Jeff Magin. For the past four years, Jeff has been the principal of Central Union High School in El Centro. Prior to that, Jeff spent 30 years as a Criminal at Yuma High School (The Criminals are Yuma High School's mascot), working 13 years as an administrator, including 5 as principal.

Jeff is a Holtville native who, as he puts it “bleeds green and gold.”  He actually spent part of his childhood on the Finley campus living in the principal’s house, which used to be between the cafeteria and the kindergarten buildings.  His father was a principal for many years at HUSD and his mother is considered to be one our all time greatest teachers as well as one of our most accomplished coaches. She was inducted into the Holtville High School Hall of Fame and recently the School Board named our new tennis courts in her honor.  Jeff has a real love for Holtville High School and wonderful memories of his time growing up and graduating in Holtville. He is a true Viking!

Jeff loves education and the work he does. He has had great success working with both teachers and classified staff to ensure that students receive the best education possible. A strong advocate for educating the whole child, Jeff is looking forward to continuing the proud traditions at HHS while moving the school forward in its mission. 

For the past seven years, we’ve had the great fortune of having Mrs. Hester as our HHS principal.  Jacki has tirelessly worked to make Holtville High School successful.  During her time at HHS, the school became a Title I Achieving School and a California Distinguished School, and this year, a nationally ranked high school.  She is leaving very big shoes to fill. While we wish her the very best in her retirement, we welcome Mr. Magin, as he works to continue the “Unity, Pride, and Spirit” that makes Holtville High School special.