Ventura Unified welcomes Marina Viridian as director of facilities

The Ventura Unified Board of Education introduced Marina Viridian as the district's new director of facilities during its first regular meeting of 2026.

Superintendent Dr. Antonio Castro presented Viridian and noted her prior roles, including director of facilities and modernization in Santa Barbara Unified School District and earlier positions at nonprofits and universities. Trustee remarks praised her technical background and commitment to student-centered facility planning.

Viridian, speaking to the board, said she is "truly humbled" and emphasized her focus on building teams and aligning facilities with the district's teaching and learning mission: "My job is to make sure that I build a great team, that we support everyone who needs the support." Trustees asked staff and Viridian about coordination with bond projects and upcoming facilities condition assessments.

The board later discussed Balboa Field renovations (approved as a separate action) and how that work would be coordinated with Buena High stadium construction and bond oversight. Viridian's hire was presented as part of a broader staffing and facilities workplan; staff said further project updates will be provided through the bond oversight and facilities reporting channels.

What happens next: staff will integrate the new director into Measure E bond reporting and upcoming facilities assessments.

Quotes are taken verbatim from the meeting transcript and attributed to speakers who introduced or self-identified on the record.