Board appoints Oresta High principal in 3–2 vote after community endorsements

The Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District board voted 3–2 on May 11 to appoint Aaron Souza as principal of Oresta High School for the 2026–27 school year.

Community members and the school’s interview committee spoke at the meeting in support of the recommended candidate. “We were unanimous in our decision to recommend the candidate placed before you as our next principal,” said Renee Sterns, a ceramics teacher who said she represented the interview committee and listed multiple staff members who participated in the process. Parent Christy Diaz told the board she wanted trustees to “come with an open mind” and choose a principal with strong values and experience to preserve momentum at the school.

Board President Cabral reported the appointment was approved by a three-to-two vote following closed-session deliberations. Two trustees voting nay said their reason was a perceived lack of principal-level experience in the recommended candidate. The board announced the appointment immediately after reporting out of closed session.

The district administration did not identify any mitigating provisions attached to the appointment in the board report; the board did not take additional public action beyond announcing the appointment at the meeting. Trustees and speakers urged continued support for school staff and students as the new principal assumes the role.

The board’s personnel action is effective for the 2026–27 school year; any employment details and start dates were not specified in the hearing record. The district will continue operating under the regular superintendent oversight and human resources processes for implementation.