Board appoints Miguel Barriga as Corning Union High superintendent; employment terms approved

The Corning Union High School District board voted unanimously Aug. 8 to hire Miguel Barriga as the district’s new superintendent, approving an employment agreement that runs July 29, 2024 through June 30, 2026.

Under terms reported to the board, Barriga will be paid an annual base salary of $171,000 and is eligible for a $3,000 annual stipend for possession of a master’s degree. The agreement also includes a $300 monthly vehicle allowance and a $70 monthly cell/data stipend; benefits will align with other certificated administrators.

Barriga began informally meeting staff and attending site visits in early August. He told the board he is focused on district culture and early facility priorities, including review of the softball field and parking layout. “9 days on the job—information overload,” Barriga said during his first report to trustees.

The district also discussed transition details for outgoing superintendent Jared Caylor; trustees publicly thanked Caylor for seven years of service and accepted administrative updates tied to the leadership change. The board agreed the chief business officer would notify trustees of any major endowment transactions as needed going forward.

Trustees took the hiring action after numerous special and regular meetings in June and July where the search, contract terms and transition logistics were discussed. The board also approved related personnel and signature updates to add Barriga to bank accounts and authorized budget signatories.