ORANGE, CA (October 16, 2018) — Orange Unified School District is excited to announce the appointment of Ernest “Ernie” Gonzalez to the position of assistant superintendent, human resources, and Jill Katevas to the position of El Modena High School principal. The Board of Education unanimously approved these appointments at their meeting last Thursday.
Human Resources Executive Director Ernie Gonzalez has served in his current position since June of the 2015-16 school year and will assume his promotion upon the retirement of Ed Kissee, current assistant superintendent, human resources.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to continue to serve the organization in this new role,” said Gonzalez. “I look forward to contributing to the team as we push for greater levels of success within the District.”
Prior to his appointment to the Human Resources office, Gonzalez served for five years as Orange High School’s principal. He came to Orange Unified after working as an administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels for Montebello Unified School District. Before his administrative experiences, Gonzalez served as a teacher, activities director, and project coordinator. He holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University and a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Humanities and History from the University of San Diego. He also holds an Administrative Services Credential, Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Science with CLAD, and completed the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Personnel Academy.
Jill Katevas is in her fifth year of service as principal of Portola Middle School and will start at El Modena High School as soon as her position at Portola is filled.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of El Modena,” said Katevas. “The staff and community have created a great partnership which has led to so many amazing learning opportunities for students. It is a true honor to be part of a school that inspires a positive learning culture that is inclusive of all students. I am looking forward to doing everything I can to support our teachers in the great work they do to help young people achieve academically and participate in a wide variety of activities to help them to discover their identity and to achieve their dreams.”
Before becoming a principal, Katevas spent three years working effectively as Orange High School’s assistant principal. Prior to working as an administrator, Katevas served as an English teacher, WASC review lead, department chair, and leader for both curricular and extracurricular projects and activities at Canyon High School. She also taught at the collegiate level for several years as an adjunct professor at Chapman University. Katevas holds a bachelor’s degree in English from California State University, Long Beach, and a master’s degree in Teaching from Grand Canyon University in Arizona. She also has a Single Subject Teaching Credential in English and an Administrative Services Credential.
“I have great confidence that Mr. Gonzalez and Ms. Katevas’ leadership abilities will continue to advance Orange Unified’s tradition of excellence in education,” said Superintendent of Schools Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph.D. “Mr. Gonzalez will provide continuity of support to administrators, teachers and staff through an outstanding Human Resources team focused on supporting OUSD Schools. Ms. Katevas has a proven track record as a teacher leader, curriculum and staff developer, and successful secondary assistant principal and principal in OUSD who will continue to accelerate major accomplishments at El Modena. We welcome them both to their new positions.”
