Waggoner Elementary School Principal Travis Nelson-Ortiz announced he had submitted his resignation in a newsletter sent to Waggoner families on Friday, Jan. 20.
“As we begin the second half of the school year, I want to share that I’ve decided to resign from my role as Waggoner Elementary School Principal at the end of the school year,” Nelson-Ortiz stated.
Superintendent Rody Boonchouy confirmed Winters Joint Unified School District had received the resignation, and Nelson-Ortiz’s name appeared on a separation report on the Jan. 19 Winters JUSD Board of Trustees agenda item on the Consent Calendar.
Assistant Superintendent Phoebe Girimonte told the Express that Winters JUSD appreciated Nelson-Ortiz’s contributions during his tenure as the Waggoner Principal and “wish him the best in his future professional endeavors.”
Nelson-Ortiz will continue in his role as Waggoner’s Principal for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year. His last day at Winters JUSD is June 30.
“We have great things ahead in the coming months and my dedication to the students and staff at Waggoner will remain strong,” Nelson-Ortiz said. “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be your child’s Principal.”
Nelson-Ortiz was appointed as the new Waggoner Principal in May 2021 following the resignation of former Principal Jennifer Kloczko. Nelson-Ortiz served at the helm leading Waggoner as students returned to campus following the pandemic, and as discussions regarding universal transitional kindergarten came to the table from the state.
Girimonte told the Express that Winter JUSD has begun the search for the next Waggoner Principal, and has plans to provide input opportunities for the school community as the search efforts proceed.
“The stability and success of the school is a top priority as we strive to maintain the most positive and productive climate for students and staff alike,” Girimonte said.
