New Principals Step In at Cleveland and Roosevelt

Elementary students at Cleveland and Roosevelt can expect a fresh face in the principal’s office next fall. The school district has just hired Gabe Sandoval to lead Cleveland and Christy Mendivil to take charge at Roosevelt Elementary School.

“I’m excited to embrace the diversity of the school and develop relationships with the students, staff, and parents,” Sandoval said upon accepting the position. “Through collegial partnerships I hope to provide a culturally engaging and challenging academic environment that raises the educational performances of all students.” Sandoval has been with the district since 2008, teaching at the Santa Barbara Community Academy and Adams elementary. He’s been an assistant principal at Santa Barbara High School since 2012, is fluent in Spanish, has administrative and multiple subject credentials, and is a graduate of University of the Pacific.

Mendivil comes from her previous principal post at O.C. Johnson Elementary in Yuma, Arizona. She has been a teacher and also facilitated Yuma’s Summer Language Academy and its 21st Century Community Learning Center, and has been a technology coach and school effectiveness mentor. “I’m looking forward to creating relationships with Roosevelt students, staff, parents, and the community as we sustain positive effective programs and work toward setting and exceeding student achievement goals,” Mendivil said. “I’m ready to hit the ground running.”

The principals get to work starting July 1, and their positions pay between $96,427 and $117,370.