New Principals in Ross Valley Schools

When students return to school in the fall, there'll be new faces to greet them -- quite a few new faces.

Both and will be getting new principals, though the Manor principal will look a little familiar to parents whose kids have already gone to White Hill, and will be getting a new assistant principal.

In addition, will have a full-time principal again, approved by the . For the past two years, Marci Trahan has been splitting her time between Lower and as the district human resources director.

Former Brookside Upper Principal Tracy Smith announced at the end of the year her move to Vallecito School in the Dixie School District. Replacing her this year will be Dr. Marty Powers.

Powers comes from serving as a junior K-8 principal at The Joseph Sears School in Kenilworth, IL. Previously, he served as an elementary principal in Elk Grove, CA and as a principal in different districts in Wisconsin. 

He has taught second through eighth grades and graduated from Carthage College, with graduate work at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

"Dr. Powers is looking forward to being a visible, accessible, and 'hands-on' educator to the students, staff, and parents at Brookside Elementary Upper Campus," said Superintendent Eileen Rohan.

Powers will have his work cut out for him, as he dives into the as Upper and Lower become two K-5 campuses over the next few years. 

At Manor School, Principal Jason Kerber announced his departure at the end of the school year to return to Seattle. will be taking over the principal role at Manor.

At White Hill, Kim Kern will be replacing Richardson in the 2011-12 school year.

Kern most recently was Assistant Principal at Petaluma High School. Kern has double degrees in English and Psychology from North Texas University and a Masters from Chapman. She has taught English and art classes in middle and high school for the last 12 years.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Kim to the White Hill community. She brings a wealth of instructional and administrative experience to our school, and I am certain our staff, parents, and students will benefit from her leadership," said White Hill Principal David Finnane.