The Vallecito Union School District Governing Board, appointed Tom Hoskins, M.Ed., as the district’s new superintendent, effective July 14, 2021, with a unanimous vote at its Board meeting on June 23, 2021. Mr. Hoskins succeeds Jim Frost who served as the part time superintendent for four years. His appointment was the result of a nationwide search conducted by McPherson & Jacobson School Administrator Search Services.
Mr. Hoskins has 20 years of service in public education. He has served as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, and school principal. For the past eight years as Director of Human Resources and LCAP and Director of Student Services and Innovation for Konocti Unified School District in Lake County; Tom was responsible for facilitating stakeholder meetings to develop the shared district plan as well as oversee and implement student support programs including after school, summer school, enrichment offerings and supervising the technology department.
Mr. Hoskins has a strong background in supporting under-served student groups including, socio-economic disadvantaged, English language learners and Foster/Homeless students. His leadership was recognized at the county level when he was named as Lake County Administrator of the year while serving as principal of Minnie Cannon Elementary school. Most recently he has served on the executive board as Vice President of Legislative Action for Association of California School Administrators Region 4.
Board President Mark Dyken shared, “We are very excited to welcome Tom Hoskins to our district. We believe he is the right person to lead the district at this time and look forward to working with him to continue bringing high quality education to our students and families.”
Board Clerk Tom Eising shared, “In what has become a difficult time to be in education, the Vallecito Union School District may have found a really good person to guide the district in the years ahead. Facing two different committees, one of district stakeholders made up of teachers, staff, parents, and school principals and a second committee composed of the current school board, Tom Hoskins was the unanimous choice of both groups. He comes from Lake County and brings experience, enthusiasm, and a vision for the future.”
Tom has a bachelor’s degree in business finance from the University of Colorado - Boulder, a master’s degree in Cross Cultural Education from National University, and received his administrative credential from the Sonoma State University in 2006. He grew up in the mountains of Evergreen, Colorado and feels at home among the pine trees of Vallecito Union School District. In addition to having a passion for education, Tom enjoys nature and is an outdoor enthusiast. He likes to hike, backpack, raft and mountain bike. In fact, prior to becoming an educator, Tom owned and operated a family run international bike tour company that led trips to Kenya, East Africa and Belize, Central America.
“I am absolutely thrilled and honored to have been selected as the new superintendent of Vallecito Union and look forward to working collaboratively with the school board, staff, students, parents and community,” Mr. Hoskins stated. “When I was invited to interview for the position, I came up a couple of days early to visit the area. Everywhere I went, I asked community members what they thought about the school district. Everyone had positive things to say about Vallecito and it was evident during my visit that the community values and supports the schools and that the teachers and staff prioritize student needs.”
Vallecito Union School District is located in Calaveras County, along the Highway 4 corridor. The District serves the communities around Murphys, Avery and Arnold, CA. With 588 students enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade, approximately 76 certificated and classified employees work daily at Hazel Fischer Elementary, Albert Michelson Elementary and Avery Middle School. The school district does have select openings available for both certificated and classified positions and is seeking quality candidates that enjoy working with children. If you are interested in applying contact Cheryl at the district office at 209-795-8503.
