Ex-principal returns to front office

With the recent opening of the assistant superintendent's position, there were several teachers and administrators who put their name in the hat for the job. Ultimately, the Richland School District welcomed back Annette Blacklock, former principal at Golden Oak Elementary.

When Rocio Munoz left that job to take a position in a Bakersfield School District, the former principal of Redwood Elementary School was selected for the position. But, after approximately a week at the job, Luis Rodriguez left the district as well.

Blacklock left the Richland School District two years ago, after the district decided to shake up the administrative staff at the district, reassigning the majority of the administrators to teaching positions. Originally, Blacklock was to be the principal at Richland Junior High but decided to leave the district, becoming principal of Rio Bravo Greeley School.

But Blacklock said that when she heard of the position being open, she decided to put her name in for the assistant superintendent's position. "I thought and prayed about it, but, really, with Rosa Romero at the helm at the moment, and the staff that is in place, it was really an easy decision to make."

Blacklock began her education career at Richland as an emergency certified teacher in 1998. She got her degree at Cal State Bakersfield and received her masters from Fresno Pacific. After starting with the district in 1998, she taught several grades through the years, including second, fourth and fifth grades.

Before serving as principal at Golden Oak, Blacklock got her first administrative position at Redwood Elementary School as assistant principal.

She said that she is very excited for this school year and is very happy with the progress that has been made in the district. "I think that change is always a challenge, but with the terrific staff that we have in place, and Rosa Romero leading things right now, I am looking forward to serving the district."

At the recent school board meeting, the Board of Trustees took a moment to welcome Blacklock. Blacklock thanked them and said that it was great to return. "I really do feel like I am back home."