Soquel School District Welcomes Two New Principals

The Soquel Union Elementary School District announced the hiring of two new principals at a special board meeting on May 1.

Starting next school year, Kerry Le Roux will helm the administration at Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School, while Gerri Fippin will take over at Soquel Elementary School

Molle Whiteley is retiring at the end of this year, hence the change at Santa Cruz Gardens. 

"We are very fortunate to have Ms. Kerry le Roux join our team," the district said in a press release. "Her passion to develop a collaborative and comprehensive learning center for students and staff was clearly communicated throughout her interviews."

“I am thrilled and grateful beyond measure for this opportunity to work with the dedicated and talented educators and supportive parent community of Santa Cruz Gardens, and to join the dynamic Soquel School District management team," she said. "All children deserve a top notch education that will prepare them for a mindful, happy and successful 21st century life. I can’t wait to build on the excellent work that is already being done at the Gardens to get them started on that journey.”

Fippin will take take over for Kathleen Fitzgerald at Soquel Elementary, who has taken a different principal position closer to her family. 

Fippin served as the director of student services for the Scotts Valley Unified School District over the last three years.

“I am so excited to join the energetic team at Soquel Elementary," she said. "I look forward to building relationships and becoming part of the community.”