Congratulations on the promotions of two fine administrators at Willis Jepson Middle School.

Longtime Principal Kelley Birch has been named director of secondary education, a newly created post in the Vacaville Unified School district that she will assume in January. Jepson Assistant Principal Adam Wight, in his second year at the Elder Street campus, was named to replace her as principal.

Superintendent Jane Shamieh made the surprise announcements early during last week’s board meeting.

Shamiah called Birch, a 22-year district employee, “a true leader” and someone who can solve problems. Shamieh called Wight, a long-time wrestling coach, “a thoughtful leader.”

Birch was most recently cited in Reporter news accounts when Jepson was named one of only 56 U.S. middle schools added to the 2016 National Forum Schools to Watch list. She and some Jepson teachers in June traveled to Washington, D.C., where they advised other middle school educators about effective strategies for teaching and student support.

 

Source: Picks & Pecks: Birch, Wright earn key VUSD promotions