Candace Espinola is the new Coordinator of the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program.
Manteca Unified School District announced the recent move Tuesday along with the other newly appointed administrators for the upcoming school year.
Included were former Weston Ranch High principal Francine Baird returning to the district to serve as the new Coordinator of Equity and Access, Ignacio Cantu Jr. joining MUSD as the new principal at Joseph Widmer Elementary School, Tarsha Taylor Godfrey serving as the new principal at August Knodt Elementary School, Jeff Podesto becoming the principal at Yosemite Day School (formerly Manteca Day School), newcomer Lemuel Vergara being principal at both the Manteca Online Academy and New Vision High, and Christine Newman moving over to George Komure Elementary School as the new principal.
In recent months, MUSD named Megan Peterson and Melissa Beattie as the new principals at Manteca High and Lathrop High, respectively.
Espinola
She was the principal at Stella Brockman for the past 14 years.
Espinola has been with MUSD since 1997. She first taught at French Camp Elementary School, and went to serve in various capacities throughout the district before becoming principal at Stella Brockman in 2009.
As Coordinator of the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, Espinola will turn her focus on MUSD’s before-school, after-school, and intersession programs to support the academic, social-emotional, and physical needs and interest of students.
“I am looking forward to this next chapter in my educational career as I help to build capacity and provide more learning opportunities for students throughout MUSD. I am excited to develop relationships and partnerships with our community to support our students, families, and school leaders,” she said.
Baird
As Coordinator of Equity and Access, she will spearhead work that’s centered on the district’s commitment to providing fair and equitable access to high-quality education.
Baird’s focus will be on reducing suspensions district-wide, implementing social-emotional curriculum within all classrooms, integrating positive behavior programs within each school, and improving educational opportunities leading to empowerment and success in the lives of students.
She returns to MUSD after five years of district administrative experience.
“I am committed to continuing the foundation work through collective commitments, building strong relationships through cross-departmental collaborations, and equitable practices,” said Baird, who has worked in education for 22 years.
She also taught high school English Language Development, Creative Writing, and English.
Cantu Jr.
He joins Joseph Widmer School with 25 years of experience in education. Cantu taught students at all grade levels, from kindergarten through 12th grade.
He served as a school administrator for 15 years, including his most recent position as an Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.
“I am honored for the opportunity to join MUSD and work with the Joseph Widmer community,” Cantu said. “It means so much to lead a school site where I can narrow my focus and directly impact the lives of students, staff, and parents.
“By emphasizing social-emotional learning in addition to academic instructions, we will maintain a strong school community where all students are learning and achieving at high levels.”
Godfrey
She comes to August Knodt School with over 25 years of education experience in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Valley.
The new principal has been with the district for nine years as both a teacher and administrator.
In her new role, Godfrey is looking forward to continuing the work of building a strong school community.
She will focus on students’ ability to reach their specific goals through a combination of goal-setting plans, organization, and effective communication.
“I am excited to continue supporting students in developing their unique potential,” Godfrey said.
Podesto
He moves over to Yosemite Day School – formerly Manteca Day School – from George Komure Elementary School.
Podesto proudly served as principal of the latter for the past 10 years, and is experienced and well-respected to do likewise in leading Yosemite Day School.
He’s been at MUSD since 1996, starting in the classroom as a substitute teacher before teaching junior high as August Knodt School. Podesto has also worked at the other school sites in the Weston Ranch community over the years.
He’s looking forward to the new challenge ahead, believing that “student success is achievable through a system of support and positive, conducive relationships with staff, teachers, and families at home.”
Podesto added: “I look forward to helping students build a strong foundation for their academic journey.”
Vergara
He was born and raised in the Bay Area,
The new Manteca Online Academy and New Vision High principal has served as a teacher and administrator in San Jose, Union City, Lammersville Unified, Byron Unified, and Tracy Unified.
Vergara is looking forward to supporting students and families that thrive in a virtual environment in his new role with the Online Academy.
At New Vision, his goal is to be a resource to the community, helping to ensure students with the tools they need to succeed.
Newman
She has 20 years of experience with MUSD.
Newman has served as an elementary school teacher and program coordinator at Great Valley, vice principal at Shasta and Neil Hafley, and principal at Joshua Cowell.
Recently, she was principal at the Online Academy.
Newman is looking “forward to promoting a positive school culture that supports academic achievement, foster student engagement, and promote social-emotional wellbeing.”
She added: “It is my goal to ensure that all students have access to the resources and support they need to be successful.”
