She comes to the Saratoga Union School District from the Soquel Union Elementary School District, where she served as principal for three years at Capitola Elementary School before it closed. Ondrejka, 48, of Felton, said so far the Saratoga job has been too good to be true.

"I wanted to be a part of this community because I see there's such a commitment to bring the best education to students," she said.

Ondrejka, who worked in urban planning and architecture for many years, took on working in education as a second career later in life. She served in the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District for 12 years as a teacher, three years as a principal and four years in district office. She has experience in the areas of special education and special services. She's hoping to make the Foothill principal position her permanent place of work, until she's ready to retire.

"I hope this is the place where I'll be the right blend for the community," she said. "What I really appreciate is that it's one place where all different people and cultures come together."

She's spending her first few weeks on the job meeting new people, observing and listening.

"Everyone has been so warm and gracious, and I appreciate how everyone has made this a good place. I'm hoping to add and contribute to that," she said. "I want to make this an environment where kids want to learn."

Sherrie Belville, a fifth-grade teacher at Argonaut Elementary School in the Saratoga Union School District, has about a 10-year history with Ondrejka. A sixth-grade teacher at the time, Ondrejka served as Belville's master teacher at San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School. They've stayed in contact over the years both professionally and informally as their careers have progressed.

"She has a marvelous sense of humor, which always comes in handy," Belville said. "She works well with all types of people--parents, staff and students. She has always been a good listener and can make a decision promptly when needed."

Ondrejka replaces interim principal Mary Ellen Johnson, who retired last school year from a superintendent and principal position in the Loma Prieta Joint Union Elementary School District. Johnson has been helping Ondrejka transition into her new role. Helen Sullivan, the previous principal of eight years, left her position in early September to pursue a new professional opportunity.

Saratoga Union School District Superintendent Lane Weiss said Ondrejka was selected after an extensive hiring process because she was the best fit for the school and district.

"She has excellent interpersonal skills and has a passion for excellence in teaching and learning," Weiss said. "She has a desire to work in an environment of teamwork, collaboration and achieving results that benefit children and all members of the learning community. She is a caring leader with vision, passion and focus."

Weiss said he's looking forward to working with Ondrejka. He cited attributes including her positive energy, educational expertise and ability to work with others. Weiss said he's hoping she'll make the district stronger, better and a more joyful place for students to learn and teachers to teach.

"Mary Ellen Johnson did an exemplary job of providing leadership for the past three months," Weiss said. "We are grateful that Foothill has been in excellent hands, and now we will continue that stewardship and care with Nancy."

BETTENCOURT IS THE INTERIM
PRINCIPAL AT SARATOGA HIGH

Harry Bettencourt, a retired principal from Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, has been appointed as the interim principal at Saratoga High School for the second semester. The news was announced by Los Gatos­Saratoga Joint Union High School District Superintendent Cindy Ranii during a recent Saratoga High School staff meeting.

His service, which begins Jan. 18, will continue through the second semester of this academic year. The process for a permanent selection is expected to be completed this spring with the permanent principalship starting July 1.

Bettencourt served the Fremont Union High School District from 1970 to 2002, and brings a wealth of administrative leadership experience, energy, intelligence, enthusiasm and organizational skills, according to Ranii.

Ranii added that hallmarks of Bettencourt's leadership include open communication, respect, engaging and supporting all students in learning, commitment to professional growth, sharing leadership and celebrating the diversity that enriches schools today.

Bettencourt, who was named the region's administrator of the year by the Association of California School Administrators in 1992, was principal at Fremont High School as well as assistant principal at Cupertino and Fremont high schools. His career also includes roles as a director of human resources and director of student and community services. In 1998, the National Association of Secondary School Principals awarded him the Western States' Leadership Award.

Bill Richter, a retired principal from Lynbrook High School, has been serving as interim principal for the first semester since the resignation of Dr. Kevin Skelly. Skelly left the district after 10 years to serve as the associate superintendent in the Poway Unified School District in Southern California. Bettencourt was officially presented by Ranii at a Dec. 14 meeting of the district's board of trustees.