New principal named for Thelma Bedell Elementary School

Sanchez was strongly recommended for the job by the interview panel and was also the number one choice of the superintendent. The panel consisted of a teacher, classified employee and a parent, all from Bedell, the superintendent, an assistant superintendent and a principal.Sanchez has been employed by the school district since 1982. She served as a classroom teacher for 16 years and was a Summer School Principal in 1998 and 1999. She holds a multiple subject and professional clear administrative credentials as well as a Master of Science in Special Education. She is a former bilingual teacher and taught at all levels from kindergarten through fifth grade.There was reportedly a strong pool of candidates. A total of 34 people applied for the job initially. That number was paired down to 19 qualified candidates and that list was further reduced to 11 people. Two people dropped out and the remaining nine were interviewed. A total of four of the applicants were already employed in the Santa Paula School District. However, it was the consensus of the panel and the superintendent that Sanchez’ combined experience, demonstrated skill and awareness of the instructional needs of the Santa Paula community made her the best candidate for the job.