Simi Valley Unified appoints four principals for 2026–27 school year
April 21, 2026 | Simi Valley Unified, School Districts, California
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The Simi Valley Unified School District board on the evening reported and accepted district recommendations to fill four school leadership vacancies for the 2026–27 school year.
District staff introduced Maria Barrow as the recommended principal for Arroyo Dual Language Academy after a screening and interview process that made her the unanimous top candidate. Barrow — who has served in dual‑language and Title I settings and taught within the district earlier in her career — told trustees she will focus on strengthening collaborative school culture and instructional systems.
The board approved Stacy Walker as the inaugural principal of Justin Early Learners Academy, elevating the coordinator role to a principal position to reflect the campus’s expanded programs, including special‑needs preschool and TK classes. Walker, who has served as a principal at other district campuses, described the appointment as a ‘‘homecoming’’ and emphasized early‑learning access and family partnerships.
Laura Minor was recommended and approved as principal at Wood Ranch Elementary. Minor, a longtime district educator and former literacy coach who has served six years as a principal at Sycamore Elementary, said she will prioritize equity and student‑centered instruction.
For the adult school, the board approved Dr. Steven Radford, who brings years of high‑school and adult‑education leadership, including work in career and technical education and statewide higher‑education roles. Radford thanked the board for the opportunity and described a commitment to adult learners and community connections.
Each appointment was presented by district staff, discussed briefly by trustees, and approved as recommended. District officials said staff met with site teams, used paper screening and interview panels that included school staff, and prioritized fits that aligned with the district’s stated priorities for student learning and school climate.
The board’s formal action on these appointments was recorded under the personnel items listed for this meeting.
District staff introduced Maria Barrow as the recommended principal for Arroyo Dual Language Academy after a screening and interview process that made her the unanimous top candidate. Barrow — who has served in dual‑language and Title I settings and taught within the district earlier in her career — told trustees she will focus on strengthening collaborative school culture and instructional systems.
The board approved Stacy Walker as the inaugural principal of Justin Early Learners Academy, elevating the coordinator role to a principal position to reflect the campus’s expanded programs, including special‑needs preschool and TK classes. Walker, who has served as a principal at other district campuses, described the appointment as a ‘‘homecoming’’ and emphasized early‑learning access and family partnerships.
Laura Minor was recommended and approved as principal at Wood Ranch Elementary. Minor, a longtime district educator and former literacy coach who has served six years as a principal at Sycamore Elementary, said she will prioritize equity and student‑centered instruction.
For the adult school, the board approved Dr. Steven Radford, who brings years of high‑school and adult‑education leadership, including work in career and technical education and statewide higher‑education roles. Radford thanked the board for the opportunity and described a commitment to adult learners and community connections.
Each appointment was presented by district staff, discussed briefly by trustees, and approved as recommended. District officials said staff met with site teams, used paper screening and interview panels that included school staff, and prioritized fits that aligned with the district’s stated priorities for student learning and school climate.
The board’s formal action on these appointments was recorded under the personnel items listed for this meeting.
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