Stearns resignation is latest staff change at Santa Rosa

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Nick Stearns announced Friday he has resigned as principal of Santa Rosa Academy.

Stearns (below) made the announcement on the school’s Facebook page, saying he has accepted a position as principal in another school district. School officials announced today that assistant principal Teri Heron has been named principal for the elementary and middle school levels. There has been no announcement on a new principal at the high school level.

These are the latest administrative moves at the charter school in recent months. The school’s executive director and one of its founders, Laura Badillo, was fired by the Board of Directors Jan. 22.

Because it was a personnel matter, no reasons were disclosed for Badillo’s termination, which came following a board meeting that included a vote to “pause the creation of new Red Track programs while the Board reviews and investigates the Red Track programs available to all students within the requirements of the charter petition."

Following a national search for Badillo’s replacement, Dr. Robert Hennings (below right) was named the new executive director on April 30. Hennings has an extensive background in public and charter school administration. Stearns remained as principal for all grade levels until his resignation.

“My ongoing commitment to you as your executive director is to maintain and foster continued academic excellence and well-developed character that provides every student with a sense of belonging and leadership at Santa Rosa Academy and in the greater community,” Hennings wrote in a letter to the community following his hiring. “It is imperative to every student's ongoing success that they graduate from SRA with the habits of mind and core competencies necessary to pursue and achieve their goals and dreams.

“My appreciation goes to the hard-working members of the Santa Rosa Academy School Board who are committed to the ongoing success of our students and the continued strength of our community. As we build relationship together, you will discover that I cherish on-going collaboration, building trust, and honoring our shared commitment to the Santa Rosa Academy community.”

Stearns, who had been at Santa Rosa Academy for six years, praised the efforts of Hennings in his farewell message to the Santa Rosa community.

“I have full faith in Dr. Hennings leading Santa Rosa Academy forward and know that he will provide the stability that our school desperately needs during these times.”

Modifications in instructional methods because of the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to be made in line with those made by the Menifee Union School District, which charters the academy.

Assistant principal Teri Heron has been promoted to principal over the elementary and middle school levels.