180 Days of Learning : FULLERTON JOINT UNION HIGH

Six of the district’s eight schools will have new principals this fall, and the top administrator also will be new.

Michael Escalante came from Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified to succeed J. Kenneth Jones, who recently retired from the Fullerton district after a decade as superintendent.

Escalante, 48, said his first task will be to build a team that can concentrate on bolstering student achievement.

“I see nothing but success with this strong administrative leadership and the outstanding teaching staff that each of our schools have,” Escalante said. “We have the best and the brightest staff.”

The new principals are Greg Franklin, Fullerton Union High; Jim Robinson, La Habra High; Karla Taylor, Sonora High; Chuck Maruca, Troy High; and Ron Gross, La Vista and La Sierra high schools.

They replace administrators who have left the district, been promoted or requested reassignment.

Tom Triggs will remain at Buena Park High, and Loring Davies will stay at Sunny Hills.

Separately, the district is completing surveys of students, parents and staff members to evaluate school programs, instruction and related issues. The information will be used to develop short- and long-term goals for program improvements, Escalante said.

Another challenge facing the district is an enrollment boom. The district is expecting 14,187 students to enroll this fall, 480 more than last year.