Jennifer Foster Named Principal of La Colina Jr High

Source: Santa Barbara Unified School District

Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Education selected Jennifer Foster as La Colina Junior High School’s next principal. Foster, an assistant principal at La Colina Junior High, will transition into her new role on July 1, 2019. Foster succeeds principal David Ortiz, who announced his retirement in January after serving students and families for more than four decades.  

Foster, a 19-year school administrator in both junior high and high school environments is most recognized for her collaborative leadership and efforts to promote equity, support social-emotional learning, employ Restorative Approaches (practices that encourage building, maintaining and repairing relationships of all members of a school community), and build skills that drive academic success.

“Jennifer Foster has consistently demonstrated instructional leadership over the last three years at La Colina Junior High that has earned the respect of students, families, and staff,” said Cary Matsuoka, Superintendent of Santa Barbara Unified School District. “We are delighted to have Jennifer’s depth of experience and trusted skill-set within our district leadership team and for the La Colina school community.”

Foster, a native to Santa Barbara County, has a Bachelor of Arts in history and a Masters in Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She also holds a Masters of Arts in Education Administration and Supervision from San Jose State University. She completed her credential in Cross-Cultural Language And Academic Development, among others. Recognized for her educational leadership, Foster was awarded the prestigious Santa Barbara County Education Office Crystal Apple Award in 2013.

“I am thrilled to be selected to serve as principal of La Colina Junior High,” said Jennifer Foster. “La Colina prides itself on its strong academic achievement and efforts to prepare all students for high school and beyond. I am honored to continue to be a part of this school culture and look forward to engaging with students, staff, parents and the community in my new position.”

The selection of Jennifer Foster as principal of La Colina Junior High was competitive and followed the district’s collaborative performance-based interview process. The interview panel unanimously selected Foster and was comprised of 19 individuals including teachers, staff, district officials, parents and community partners.