The Chula Vista Elementary School District has a new superintendent. He comes from outside the district, although he has deep South Bay roots. Wednesday night, the Chula Vista Elementary School Board voted unanimously to hire Dr. Eduardo Reyes.
There were 23 applicants for the position, and by Tuesday, board members had narrowed the list to 6 candidates. The finalists were all interviewed in a closed session before Reyes was announced and appointed to the position.
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“This has been a lengthy and involved process, but we have landed on the best candidate for directing the work of the Chula Vista Elementary School District,” said CVESD Board President Lucy Ugarte. “Dr. Reyes brings a wealth of experience to this role and we expect the legacy of outstanding student achievement in this district to continue well into the future.”
Dr. Reyes has been employed by the Sweetwater Union High School District most recently as Director of Human Resources. He had been a member of the Chula Vista School Board but resigned that position so he could apply for the superintendent job.
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He told KPBS News, “As Superintendent of Chula Vista Elementary Schools, my only focus is ensuring the best for our students.”
He is a former teacher and recognizes the current dispute and deadlock with Chula Vista teachers who have been working with an expired contract since late last June.
He said, “Learning happens in the classroom, it doesn’t happen in the district office. So, we want to make sure they (teachers) have good working conditions and that the contract is respected.”
The newly appointed superintendent officially begins work on February 22nd. He has been a resident of the South Bay for 40 years raising children who have attended both the Chula Vista and Sweetwater districts.
With 49 schools and more than 28,000 students, the Chula Vista Elementary School District is the largest K-6 school district in the state. In the coming weeks, Dr. Reyes will conduct meetings with various staffing groups across the District, while also visiting schools and meeting CVESD students, families, teachers, and support staff.
