SANTA ANA : School District Hires Official From Seattle
The Santa Ana Unified School District’s board has hired Edward Lee Vargas as the district’s new assistant superintendent for support services.
Vargas, 40, will begin his new job Aug. 12. He has been director of student support services for the Seattle public school system.
“Lee’s wide-ranging skills in a district comparable to our size will help him get off to a running start in Santa Ana,” Supt. Rudy M. Castruita said. “He’s going to do a fine job for us.”
Vargas has 16 years of experience in education. He began his career in Albuquerque, N.M., as a special education teacher. He was also a school psychologist, a psycho-educational diagnostician and a program coordinator in Albuquerque before moving to Seattle.
In his new position, Vargas will oversee special education, state and federally funded programs, bilingual programs and child welfare and attendance.
Vargas will replace Anthony Dalessi, who had been assistant superintendent of student services since 1985. The district board of education chose not to renew Dalessi’s contract. He has been appointed as district director of child welfare and attendance.
Dalessi was on vacation Friday and not available for comment.
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