New administrators appointed for Ventura County schools

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Charles Weis announced the appointment of the following key administrators who began work with the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Office (VCSSO) on July 1. The placements were a result of personnel retirement and departmental reorganization.

Associate Superintendent of Student Services Cary Dritz previously served as deputy superintendent for personnel and educational services as well as assistant superintendent for personnel services in the Simi Valley Unified School District. Dritz also served as the director of human resources for the VCSSO from 1995 to 1997.

Steve Carr is the executive director of technology services, a newly created department combining the educational technology and ITS departments. Carr has more than 23 years’ experience as an educator and technology specialist and is sought-after as a member of statewide technology decision-making committees.

Director of Facilities Poul Hanson served as director of facilities and construction management consultant for the past seven years in the Pleasant Valley School District. Hanson has 20 years’ experience in construction and contracting.

Director of Health Programs and Early Childhood Education Patricia Contini recently served as the program specialist for health services for the Ventura Unified School District, where she coordinated the health programs and services for 18,000 students and adult education for 29 schools.

Director of School Support Services Martha Hernandez brings her knowledge of curriculum and instruction strategies to the expanding school support services department. Hernandez previously served as the administrator of curriculum and instruction at Oxnard Elementary School District. She was recently installed as president of the California Association for Bilingual Education.

Principal of Court and Community Schools Martin Manzer will oversee operations of education programs at Providence School and the Gateway Community School program. Manzer served as an assistant principal and principal for the past seven years in the Conejo Valley Unified School District. He also served as the Gateway assistant principal from 1996 to 1998.

Principal of Special Education Scott Barlow previously served as the special education program manager in the Riverside Unified School District. He is a Navy and Gulf War veteran. Barlow has a personal interest in those with special needs because he has a sibling who is hearing-impaired.