NUSD Selects 4 New Leaders

--- Published on March 16th 2021 ---
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Natomas Unified School District is proud to announce the recent selection of four leaders and what they plan to bring to their new school communities.

Suzen Holtemann – Principal of Bannon Creek School 

Suzen Holtemann has been selected to serve as the permanent principal for Bannon Creek School after serving as interim principal this school year. “As a former classroom teacher, I have a deep appreciation for students’ cognitive and social-emotional development and am eager to continue supporting our teachers as they collaborate with each other to prepare all Bannon Creek School students to be college and career ready,” she shared when asked about her new position. Holtemann has been a part of the Natomas Unified School District family for nine years where she has served in many capacities including principals at both American Lakes and the former Natomas Gateways Middle School. To learn more about Holtemann, click here.

Heather Gohn – Principal of Paso Verde School

Heather Gohn will be the next principal of Paso Verde School. She was selected recently to replace founding principal Tonja Jarrell, who has been promoted to another position at the Natomas Unified School District Education Center. Gohn will create a natural transition within the school community since she has been a part of the PVS family as a classroom teacher since 2017. “I know the parents, the staff, and most importantly, the scholars. As a Proud Puma and a founding faculty member, I know where PVS has been and where we want to go,” she excitedly shared. “I want to use my gifts and knowledge to continue the work we have started while dedicating myself to evolve as a leader supporting the growth of our school community.” To learn more about Gohn, click here.

Lori “Grace” Strickland – Principal of Inderkum High School 

“Ever since I was a child, I always wanted to do something to serve and help people reach their goals,” said Lori “Grace” Strickland, the next leader of Inderkum High School.  Strickland will become the new principal replacing Dan Motherspaw, who after 7 years as principal has been promoted to another position at the Natomas Unified School District Education Center. When asked what she hopes to bring to the Tiger family, Strickland excitedly shares, “Hope to inspire. I don’t want students to limit their dreams. I want them to think big and for the Natomas community to support them.”  To learn more about Strickland, click here.

Esther Perez, Ed.D. – Executive Director of K-12 Virtual Academy

Growing up in a farm town in Central California and being the first in her family to graduate from a university, Esther Perez, Ed.D. always understood education was a gateway to open doors, overcome obstacles, and achieve your dreams. “I always wanted to help people, and I saw education as the best way to set you free and to get out of poverty,” Perez explains. She’ll be bringing that positive outlook as the new Executive Director of Natomas Unified School District’s New K-12 Virtual Academy that will launch fall 2021. To read more about Perez, click here. The academy is an innovative option for students to learn, thrive, and excel in a virtual environment.