Ripon Unified has a new leader.

Siegrid ‘Ziggy’ Robeson was recently selected to replace Bill Draa, who came out of retirement about two years ago to help out the district.

Robeson was hired by RUSD about a year ago as principal of Colony Oak Elementary School. Prior to that, she was a principal for 20 years at Rio Linda and was part of a school district that later was absorbed by the Twin River Unified School District.

She thanked the board for her selection and is “looking forward to working with staff and continuing (an) engagement with students and the community.”

Trustees voted unanimously on Robeson as their next superintendent at the May 18 meeting. She’ll begin her official duties next month, with Draa showing her the ropes until then.

Draa was the former Banta School District superintendent. He started off as the interim RUSD superintendent following Louise Johnson’s resignation in the summer of 2013, signing a two-year pact soon after to stay aboard for the beginning stages of the voter-approved Measure G construction.

At last Monday’s school board meeting, Draa and Robeson heard that work on Weston Elementary School was 80 percent complete and should be ready in time for the 2015-16 school year. Colony Oak, Robeson’s old school, will also be renovated as the other part of the $25.2 million bond measure.

Robeson has a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy-Making. She has a background in the arts – notably, music and dance – and science and technology development.

As a teacher, Robeson has worked in private and charter during her 33 years in education. She also taught preschool through adults.

In addition, Robeson has published many educational articles and has conducted research in Asia and Europe, and has volunteered doing various activities, including assisting at summer camps, working at local libraries, and serving on a variety of community boards and councils.