Santa Barbara, Calif. – Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Education named Analese Alvarez, Edward Gomez, and Marshall Webb as Deans of Student Engagement. All three will begin their new roles on July 1, 2019.
Analese Alvarez (San Marcos High School)
“Analese Alvarez is an incredible addition to Santa Barbara Unified leadership team” said Dr. Frann Wageneck, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services. “Her professional background and academic pursuits align precisely with our district’s focus on expanding social emotional and behavioral supports for all students.”
Having served as a music teacher, band director, and basketball coach for 15 years, Alvarez has spent the past four years pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership and an administrative credential from the University of Toledo. While completing her advanced degree she has worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and co-authored several papers on school leadership.
An alum of La Cumbre Junior High and San Marcos High School, Alvarez is looking forward to joining the leadership team of her high school Alma Mater this summer. Alvarez shared “I am very excited for this opportunity with the district, to return to my hometown, and to give back to the community that raised me.”
Alvarez’ appointment fill the position left vacant by Jennifer Balaishis who resigned in order to spend more time with her young children.
Edward Gomez (La Colina Junior High School)
In joining the leadership team of Santa Barbara Unified School District, Edward Gomez brings to the position of Dean of Student Engagement more than twenty-six years of service in public education. He currently serves as a social studies teacher at Santa Paula High School, having held a variety of positions during his career including Head Football Coach, Dean of Discipline and Athletic Director. Gomez earned a Bachelor’s degree in History, a Teaching Credential in Social Studies and ESL, a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, and an Administrative Credential, all from California State University Northridge.
Wageneck shared, “It takes a special kind of person to keep pace with the energy level of our junior high school students. Ed Gomez has a long and successful history of working with young people and their families in Ventura County, and know that his experience is going to enhance the already strong culture at La Colina Junior High School.”
Gomez is filling the position created when current Assistant Principal Jennifer Foster was named principal for the 2019-20 school year. Foster replaces David Ortiz who is retiring in June 2019.
Marshall Webb (Dos Pueblos High School)
“SB Unified is really pleased to have Marshall Webb in the role of Dean of Student Engagement” said Wageneck. “With a proven track-record of influencing positive school culture to engage students, we know that Marshall is a good fit for Dos Pueblos and our district.” After serving as a teacher leader in California’s Central Valley for 23 years, Marshall Webb transitioned to the position of Dean of Students at Tulare Union High School in 2015. Webb holds a Bachelor’s degree in English, Teaching Credential in English and Administrative Credential from Fresno Pacific University, as well as a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Education from Grand Canyon University.
“I am truly honored to be selected for the Dean of Student Engagement position with the Santa Barbara Unified School District” said Webb. “ I strongly believe in the power of a positive school culture to drive student success and achievement and am confident that with my previous experience in helping shape a high performing school climate as a Dean of Students, I will be able to contribute to what is already an engaging, distinguished environment at Dos Pueblos High School.”
Webb is replacing Nate Mendoza in the role of Dean of Student Engagement. Mendoza will transition to the same role at Santa Barbara High School on July 1, taking over for Mario Rodriguez who has chosen to return to teaching in 2019-20.
Source: Santa Barbara Unified School District