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Desert Sands introduces three new principals and director of nutrition; board confirms multiple management appointments and retirements
Summary
The board publicly introduced Joshua Astad (Palm Desert Charter Middle School principal), Carlos Montiel (director of nutrition services) and Monica Rodriguez (Indio High School principal). In closed session the board approved several certificated and classified management appointments and accepted retirements.
The Desert Sands Unified School District Board of Education introduced three newly named district leaders on July 15 and, in closed session, approved additional management appointments and several retirements.
Joshua Astad was introduced as the new principal of Palm Desert Charter Middle School. Astad told the board he is “excited to be here not just to lead but to listen, also to learn, to be part of something great.” The board and superintendent welcomed his move from Minnesota and noted his decades of experience in middle school education and school leadership.
Carlos Montiel was introduced as the district’s new director of nutrition services. Montiel said, “I am deeply humbled to accept the position of director of nutrition services,” and thanked staff and his family in brief remarks. Board members noted Montiel’s prior roles in the district since 2018 and his culinary and business credentials.
Monica Rodriguez was introduced as the new principal of Indio High School. Rodriguez said, “I am so moved and so inspired by all of them and, I will not disappoint you,” and described her intention to build on the school’s progress and support a safe, supportive learning environment.
In closed session the board approved a settlement (settlement claim number 25‑L‑01) on a motion by Trustee Dr. Watson, seconded by Trustee Porras; the motion carried unanimously. Also in closed session the board approved multiple certificated management recommendations and one classified management recommendation on a motion by Trustee Porras, seconded by Trustee Duran; the vote was unanimous. Appointments recorded in the meeting minutes included Brooke Triplett as coordinator of local control and accountability strategy and performance; Elizabeth Van Dorn, assistant principal of La Quinta Middle School; Jacqueline Alvarado, assistant principal at Roosevelt Elementary School; Michael Bossie, assistant principal at Shadow Hills High School; Joshua Alvarez, principal Jefferson Middle School; Angelica Mata and Jocelyn Koehler, temporary psychologists; and Josiah Zepeda, temporary psychologist. Classified management appointment Daniel Vargas was approved as project manager.
The board also announced retirements in open session. Certificated retirement: Christy Joyner, principal at Monroe Elementary School (retiring after eight years with the district). Classified retirements announced included Christy Duran, nutrition services specialist at Jefferson Middle School (16 years); Yolanda Flores, bilingual administrative assistant in the student assistance program (13 years); and Jane Yoshimura, director of graphic services (19 years). Board members offered public thanks to the retiring employees.
Several trustees and the superintendent publicly welcomed the new appointees and recognized staff who supported the transitions. The board did not take further open-session personnel actions beyond introductions and the recorded closed-session votes and announcements.
