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Lenni Velez officially took the helm at Emerald High School last week, following her appointment by the Dublin school board at its regular meeting.
Her leadership comes less than a week after founding principal Francis Rojas resigned from the role for undisclosed reasons two months into the new high school’s first semester open to students. As the assistant principal of Emerald with nearly two decades at the school district, Velez brings a wealth of experience to her new role, according to an announcement by the district on Oct. 23.
“Lenni’s dedication, experience, and deep understanding of our school district, and the Emerald High community, make her the ideal candidate for this position,” DUSD superintendent Chris Funk said the day after the board meeting. “We are confident that her leadership will continue to elevate Emerald High and foster a positive and supportive learning environment.”
Velez has climbed the ladder of leadership at DUSD, starting as a math teacher at Dublin High School in 2005. After 11 years of teaching, she became the school’s assistant principal, where she helped lead the school for six years. Then she relocated to Emerald to occupy the same position.
At Emerald she led the school’s design team in setting graduate aims and building the new community culture. And her experience was crucial to recruiting Emerald staff, establishing academic programs and working with stakeholders, according to the district.
“Promoting from within not only recognizes and rewards her commitment to our district but also ensures continuity and stability for our students, staff, and parents,” Funk said.
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