Schools

Poway Unified Announces Several New School Principals

New leaders have been recommended for Chaparral, Stone Ranch, Black Mountain, Mt. Carmel and Abraxas.

Poway Unified Superintendent John Collins is recommending several new people to head local schools, including new principals for Chaparral and Stone Ranch elementaries, Black Mountain Middle, and Abraxas and Mount Carmel high schools.

"I am confident that each of these individuals will provide the commitment and leadership necessary to allow each of these school sites to continue their great work and growth for the future,” Collins said in a statement.

The recommendations are subject to the approval of the school board, which is set to meet on Monday, June 24.

The superintendent has selected Creekside Elementary Principal Robin Robinson to lead Chaparral Elementary; Pomerado Elementary Principal Lisa Danzer for Stone Ranch Elementary; Westview High Assistant Principal Charan Kirpilani for Black Mountain Middle; Abraxas High Assistant Principal Dave MacLeod for principal there; and Black Mountain Principal Greg Magno for Mount Carmel High School.

Other moves: Current Meadowbrook Middle Principal Christine Donnelly is headed to Creekside Elementary; Stone Ranch Elementary Principal Cindy Venolia to Highland Ranch Elementary; and Abraxas High Principal Ron Garrett to Poway High School.

About the new principals, from PUSD's announcement:

Chaparral Elementary School: 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.

Find out what's happening in Rancho Bernardo-4s Ranchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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.”

Stone Ranch Elementary School: Lisa Danzer

Find out what's happening in Rancho Bernardo-4s Ranchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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.”

Black Mountain Middle School: 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.”

Abraxas High School: David MacLeod

David MacLeod has been a member of the Abraxas High School team for the past six years as a Science teacher and currently serves as the school’s assistant principal. Before coming to Abraxas, he worked in private industry at General Dynamics and Dynamic Scheduling & Management, Ltd.

Mr. MacLeod earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Montana State University and a Master of Education Degree in Cross-Cultural Education from National University. Mr. MacLeod states, “Abraxas is an amazing school and I am thrilled to be its new principal. These remarkable staff members really care and build long-lasting relationships with our students. I invite any interested parents to contact me to learn more about this great place.”

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.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here