By Regan Estes
Staff Writer
Vice Principal Jennie Wright will be taking a maternity leave beginning July 1 that will last through the first semester of next school year.
The administration is currently deciding upon a replacement but has not yet reached a final decision. The substitute will take over some of Wright’s responsibilities while other vice principals will assume others. These changes will take place this summer as soon as Wright leaves.
“We did some shifting. The substitute will take over some of her duties so we’re not overwhelmed without her,” Vice Principal Jaime Mancilla said. “I’ll be working on the master schedule, which was Mrs. Wright’s role. With that comes a change of responsibilities. I’ll now be overseeing the counseling department.”
Principal Ben Dale is in charge of selecting a temporary replacement for Wright. Dale hopes to hire a retired administrator because the position is only temporary, and the administration would not have to spend time and resources training Wright’s replacement.
“I knew I wanted a retired administrator,” Dale said. “The job is only a half year and the position is not going to become permanent. I felt it was unfair to hire a new administrator because I can’t offer them a full year.”
The substitute will take over many of Wright’s current administrative responsibilites, including attendance and discipline.
Currently each vice principal monitors a grade level and disciplines when necessary, but the substitute will be in charge of the disciplining the entire student body. He or she will also oversee attendance.
“I know that person will be doing all of the discipline,” Wright said. “Right now I only take care of 10th graders; they’ll be disciplining everyone. They’ll head Study Zone and assemblies.”
The replacement will also oversee ASB and school assemblies. Other vice principals will handle coordinating Advanced Placement tests, the California High School Exit Exam, and Standardized Tests and Reporting tests, as well as student support groups like People Attainign Complete Equalty and Student Academic Support. Upon her return, Wright will resume her duties.
The administration maintains that Wright’s absence will not impact the student body.
“If everything goes as planned, the student body will not be affected,” Mancilla said. “The change will be in the office.”
Though the change will not have a large impact on students, Wright will be missed by her coworkers and friends at Costa.
“I’m glad that she’s taking time off for her child and hope they find a good replacement for her because she’s good at what she does,” junior Travis Taylor said.
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