By Jason Islas
Staff Writer

August 19, 2013 -- The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) School Board welcomed three administrators into the top ranks of several of the bayside city's schools last week.

After five months of searching, the Board welcomed Annette Mendoza, from the East Whittier City School District, as the new principal of Will Rogers Learning Community. Serving with her as assistant principal will be Elizabeth Cochran, formerly a literacy coordinator with the district.

Rebecca Chu Ngo will leave her position as assistant principal of Will Rogers and Grant Elementary to to fill the post at John Adams Middle School (JAMS) after her predecessor took a job as a principal in another district.

While there were some logistical issues after John Adams' former assistant principal left the post, Superintendent Sandra Lyon said things have worked out.

“Fortunately, due to the quality candidates from outside and inside the district, we now have a plan that will ensure our schools have continuity and high quality individuals in the administrative roles,” she said.

In welcoming Mendoza, Superintendent Sandra Lyon said that, “although there were many talented, capable candidates interviewed, it took us some time to find the right person to lead the Will Rogers Learning Community.”

Lyon said that Mendoza and Cochran will make a great team.

“Her background and perspective will be complemented by Ms. Cochran’s amazing experience and strong connection to the Will Rogers and Grant staffs,” she said.

Mendoza certainly does not lack experience at the helm.

Before serving as assistant principal of Orchard Dale Elementary School, where she helped raise the struggling schools' test scores, she held the same post at four other elementary schools.

Ngo boasts years of experience withing the SMMUSD system, taking the leap from assistant principal of Will Rogers and Grant Elementary, a post she has held for two years, to assistant principal of John Adams Middle School.

While at her previous position, Ngo oversaw the “academic progress, discipline, attendance, and overall educational experience for over 1,100 students,” district officials said. That's roughly the same number of students at John Adams.

“Ms. Ngo, as an experienced assistant principal with a strong instructional background, will be a wonderful asset for the JAMS community,” said Lyon.

Ngo's former position will be filled by Cochran, who has worked with the teachers designing and delivering “professional development in literacy and the new Common Core Standards,” officials said.

“She has managed the implementation of districtwide literacy assessments and supported teachers with Response to Intervention strategies,” they said.