GUSD Names New Isla Vista School Principal

The Board of Trustees will make the appointment official at its regular meeting on Wednesday, August 15 according to Superintendent, Bill Banning.

Kahn comes to Goleta from the Santa Barbara Unified School District where she has served as an administrative designee for the last five years at Washington School. She has been a classroom teacher at both Washington and Harding Elementary Schools. Her professional experience in elementary grades includes serving GATE populations, English Learners, and students with special needs. Prior to her experience in Santa Barbara, Kahn taught bilingual education in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District.

Kahn will assume her duties as principal at Isla Vista School on early next week. “I am looking forward to working along side the staff and families of our Isla Vista School community to continue the high levels of academic success for all students.” she stated. Kahn, who is a resident of Goleta, will have the opportunity to work closely with the school’s former principal, Lisa Maglione. Maglione left Isla Vista earlier this summer after an 11-year tenure as principal to become the Director of Educational Support Services for the Santa Barbara County Education Office. Maglione said, “I’m pleased to have the opportunity to work with Mrs. Kahn supporting her transition to Isla Vista. Mary’s background, experiences and passion will serve the school and district well.”

Banning stated, “Isla Vista is a remarkable school with a sense of community and purpose at its core, so it isn’t surprising that the school was one of three in the District honored by the State of California as a Distinguished School last year. I believe we have found a leader in Mary Kahn who will continue, and build upon, the school’s traditions of supportive community and academic excellence.”