Who's the Boss? New School Year Brings New Rancho Bernardo Principals

Poway Unified is kicking off the new school year Wednesday with nearly a dozen new principals, including seven at Rancho Bernardo-area schools. Learn a little bit about the new school heads, some who might be familiar faces. See a full list of the principals in the entire district attached to this story.
(Biographies provided by PUSD.)

Elementary

Chaparral: Robin Robinson

"Robin Robinson is currently the principal at Creekside Elementary School and has served in that role for the past eight years. Prior to that, Robin served in the district for 22 years as a middle school teacher at Twin Peaks Middle School, a Teacher On Special Assignment (TOSA) at Poway High School, and an assistant principal at Chaparral Elementary and Westview High Schools.

Ms. Robinson earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Biola University, and her master of arts degree from California State University, Los Angeles. Robin shares, 'My greatest blessings come from serving children, teachers, and parents to ensure we are always doing what is best for kids. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing a child excited about learning and proud of their accomplishments both academically and personally.' "

Creekside: Christine Donnelly

"Christine Donnelly has been an assistant principal at Meadowbrook Middle School since 2010, where she also served as a Teacher On Special Assignment (TOSA) for the After-School Education and Safety Program for six years. She began her teaching career in 1995 as a Summer School Language Arts teacher at Poway High School, and then taught grades seven and eight at Meadowbrook. In addition to her administrative duties, this year Ms. Donnelly served on the Superintendent’s Staff and Student Drug and Alcohol Task Force.

Ms. Donnelly’s educational background includes a bachelor of arts degree in social science from United States International University, and a master of arts degree in education from Alliant International University. She is very excited to serve as principal at Creekside noting, 'After 18 years as a teacher and assistant principal in Poway Unified, I am thrilled to take on my new role as the principal of Creekside Elementary. I look forward to working with the staff and parents, and I can't wait to meet the students. Go Geckos!' "

Highland Ranch: Cindy Venolia

"Cindy Venolia, currently the principal at Stone Ranch Elementary School, has served in that role since 2007. Prior to that, she was an assistant principal at Park Village Elementary. She began her teaching career in 1997, when she taught grades one, two and five. Ms. Venolia has earned recognition as a strong leader in literacy and mathematics curriculum design and instruction.

Ms. Venolia’s educational background includes a bachelor degree in liberal arts from San Diego State University, and a master of arts degree in education and teaching from National University. As she prepares to transition to Highland Ranch, Ms. Venolia states that she is, 'honored to be a part of the Poway School District and excited to receive an opportunity to be a new member of the Highland Ranch school community. It has been wonderful to be the principal of Stone Ranch and I am confident that Highland Ranch will be the perfect place to continue my career.' "

Stone Ranch: Lisa Danzer

"Lisa Danzer is currently the principal at Pomerado Elementary School and has served in that role since 2002. She was hired as a teacher in PUSD in 1987, and has taught grades two, five and six. Before moving to Pomerado Elementary, she served as an assistant principal at Meadowbrook Middle School. She is recognized by her peers and staff as a highly-regarded professional educator who champions learning for every student.

Ms. Danzer’s educational background includes a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish as well as in political science from University of California, Santa Barbara. She also holds a master of arts degree in instructional leadership from National University, San Diego. As she prepares to transition to Stone Ranch Elementary School, Ms. Danzer states, 'I am excited and ready for this opportunity to learn and grow. I look forward to getting to know the Stone Ranch community of students, staff, and families.' "

Willow Grove: Amy Huff

"Amy Huff is currently the assistant principal at Willow Grove Elementary School, where she served on the leadership team that opened the school in 2008. Prior to her role as assistant principal, Ms. Huff was a Teacher On Special Assignment (TOSA), charged with professional learning for the teachers on the Willow Grove staff. She has also taught at Willow Grove, Adobe Bluffs and Westwood elementary schools. Ms. Huff began her in education career in 1980 as a special education teacher in Pensacola, FL. She also taught in the states of Washington and Maryland before coming to our district.

Ms. Huff’s educational background includes a bachelor of arts degree in special education from the University of West Florida, and a master of arts degree in curriculum and instruction from Chapman University in Monterey, CA. Ms. Huff is very excited to be the principal of Willow Grove, and said, 'I am thrilled about the opportunity to team with the wonderful Willow Grove staff and parents as the new principal. Leading such a high-performing staff and working with incredible students and community is truly a dream come true.' "

Middle School

Black Mountain: Charan Kirpilani

"Charan Kirpilani currently serves as an assistant principal at Westview High School and previously served for three years as an assistant principal at Twin Peaks Middle School. He has been a member of several districtwide committees with Technology and Curriculum and Instruction. Before coming to Poway Unified, Mr. Kirpilani worked in the Grossmont Unified School District as a high school chemistry and physics teacher.

Mr. Kirpilani’s educational background includes a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, and a master of arts degree in education, curriculum and instruction from San Diego State University.

'I am excited to become a part of the Black Mountain community and immerse myself into the BMMS Raiders’ tradition and culture.' "

High School

Mt. Carmel High School: Greg Magno

"Currently serving as the principal of Black Mountain Middle School, Greg Magno will now be returning to Mt. Carmel High School as the principal. Mr. Magno had previously served as the assistant principal at Mt. Carmel for seven years. Prior to joining the Poway Unified School District, he served as a math teacher in the Sweetwater District at Eastlake High and Montgomery Middle Schools. 'I am excited to have the opportunity to continue to serve the community of Rancho Peñasquitos. Mt. Carmel is a special place that I am proud to be a part of again.'

Mr. Magno earned a bachelor of science degree in structural engineering from University of California, San Diego, and his master of arts degree in educational leadership from San Diego State University."