New principals selected for Witter Ranch Elementary and Natomas Middle schools

--- Published on April 04th 2014 ---

Natomas Unified is proud to announce the selection of Patrick Birdsong and Dr. Tina Tranzor as principals for Witter Ranch Elementary School and Natomas Middle School, respectively, when classes begin for the new school year.

The two are veteran educators with solid histories of working with diverse student populations. Birdsong currently serves as principal at Pioneer School, a K-8 campus in Twin Rivers Unified School District. Dr.Tranzor was promoted to principal at Oakland’s Montera Middle School in 2012 after previously serving as assistant principal there.

Colleagues praise Natomas Unified’s two new hires for their work ethic, leadership and collaborative style.

Birdsong is described by colleagues as a “consummate professional” who approaches his work with “enthusiasm and thoughtfulness” and has a solid vision for using technology to support student learning. “His efforts will pay dividends because his teachers will be ahead of the curve as all of education eventually moves to a digital environment,” one colleague said.

Birdsong previously has served as principal of schools in Sacramento, Fair Oaks and San Francisco.

Dr. Tranzor is known to colleagues for dedication to closing the achievement gap and for her ability to build relationships with all community stakeholders. “She has a great work ethic that enables her to serve the needs of (her) school students,” a colleague said. “Tina works to ensure that all students be given an opportunity for a quality education. She is committed to equity and achievement for all students.”

Dr. Tranzor’s resume includes stints as a teacher for English Learner students, as a math specialist for the Oakland Unified School District, and as a classroom teacher at Garfield Elementary School in Oakland.

At Natomas Unified, Birdsong will replace Julia True, who is retiring next month after a lengthy career overseeing Witter Ranch Elementary. Dr. Tranzor will fill a vacant position at Natomas Middle School, where principal’s duties have been handled on a temporary basis this year by Dr. Juanita Reynolds, Natomas Unified Director of Student Services and Safety.