When students return to campus August 16, they’ll have more than just a new class schedule; they’ll also face two new administrators. Assistant Principal Mr. Jeff Dietrich announced his resignation this month as he begins a new role at Roseville. 

When Dietrich first made the transition from coach and teacher at Del Oro to assistant principal, he said that he wanted to be the best team player he could be. After working with the administrative team for six years, the hardest part of leaving was considering the connections he made with his coworkers.

“The hardest part about making this decision was thinking about the close connections I made with some of our staff. In addition to the fantastic school culture and watching our kids do amazing things, helping others feel supported and feel good about their job was one of my favorite parts of my job at Whitney,” Dietrich said. 

Since 2017, Dietrich has supported and overseen the Support Services, Social Studies, VAPA and World Languages departments. He also worked as a site safety coordinator and worked in other administrative capacities within the front office. 

“Mr. Dietrich was a dedicated member of the leadership team with a wealth of experience in a variety of roles. Remaining Assistant Principal Penny Shelton and myself will need to get the new members up to speed quickly,” Principal Scott Collins said. 

Dietrich announced his departure in July, after former Assistant Principal Mrs. Jennifer Hanks resigned in June. With the beginning of the school year starting August 16, Collins said interviews for the two high-ranking administrative positions has been challenging. The first round of interviews for Dietrich’s replacement began July 20, and Collins said he hopes to announce the new hires by the end of the month. The hiring process is slower in the summer, as administration has to work around vacation schedules, so filling the holes of two important roles will take a team effort.

“The hiring process has been challenging to say the least. Mr. Dietrich connected with students from across the campus as well as staff. He was well versed in many aspects of school leadership from activities to athletics to the classroom,” Collins said.

Losing two contributors to campus culture will not only be difficult on the administrative side. ASB President Nayeli Glaude looks to plan the year with new supervisors, which has proven to be a challenging task. 

“Having this role as an assistant principal means they are able to give their input on anything leadership puts together so theoretically they are able to veto ideas, but also support what they feel will have the best influence on the student body. That decision will then have a domino effect on what students experience and what becomes tradition,” Glaude said. 

As Collins looks to fill the empty desks around the office, Dietrich prepares himself to fill the role of assistant principal at Roseville.

Dietrich said, “There is something special about going back to the Roseville Joint Union High School District for me. Some of my former teachers, coaches and even administrators are still scattered across that district, so it will be very fun going back to serve in my hometown after a 16-year career spent between Del Oro and Whitney.”

story by EMERSON KIBBY

with additional reporting by CARSON NICHOLS & ISABELLA TOMASINI