New Athletic Director Acuna Departing School District
The Superintendent of the Piedmont Unified School District, Randall Booker, has announced that Victor Acuna will no longer be serving as Athletic Director. For protection of both employer and employee, the reasons for the separation have not been publicly released.
Below, Acuna is highly praised in the School District “Press Release.” Acuna had been repeatedly, publicly criticized for various issues related to the athletic program and his initial selection.
The School District has announced the intention of filling the vacancy with a replacement athletic director through a widely publicized recruitment.
8/4/2017 11:55 PM Pacific
$74,068 – $103,048
Go to the end of the Press Release for further details.
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Office of the Superintendent – 760 Magnolia Avenue – Piedmont, CA 94611 – 510.594.2614
PRESS RELEASE
July 22, 2017
On July 22, 2017, the Piedmont Unified School District announced the departure of Director of Athletics Victor Acuña, who has served with distinction since the Spring of 2016. Superintendent Randall Booker noted, “His dedication to our students and coaches has been exemplary and he improved every aspect of our athletics program, particularly in the areas of budgeting, coach development, and communications. Most importantly, he improved the overall student-athlete experience, and he will be sorely missed.” Mr. Acuña’s last day of service will be July 31, 2017.
Many high school athletes are already preparing for Fall sports, and the District is working to have a new Director of Athletics in place before the start of school. PHS Principal Adam Littlefield and MHS Principal Shannon Fierro, who have extensive experience with administration of student athletics, will coordinate the recruitment and selection process. Administrators, members of the PHS Athletic Boosters, Recreation Department, coaching staff, and several student athletes will participate in the interviews. Assistant Athletic Director Megan Hernandez will continue in her position for the next several weeks to help ensure a smooth transition.
The District’s Director of Athletics is responsible for: recruiting, hiring, supervising, and evaluating 175 coaches; developing and overseeing the Athletic Department budget; monitoring student eligibility; serving as the school representative of the Western Alameda County Conference; partnering with the PHS Athletic Boosters; coordinating team schedules, transportation, equipment, and supplies for 49 teams; and ensuring a safe and supportive program for over 500 student athletes. Over the past five years, the athletic program has grown to meet the increased interest of our high school students and community, adding three additional sports to serve over sixty students.
The Director of Athletics, which is a full-time administrative position funded jointly by the District and the Piedmont Education Foundation, requires a coaching certification and has a base salary of $74,068. The position will be broadly advertised, including posting on Ed-Join and the North Coast Section websites.
“We are looking for an exceptional candidate to continue the excellent work started by Mr. Acuña and Ms. Hernandez,” said Superintendent Booker. “The District will be searching for a new Director of Athletics with tremendous communication skills and who can support coaches to instill sportsmanship, teamwork, and self-discipline in our student athletes.”
*For a direct link to the Athletic Director application go to: https://www.edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/950672
For further information contact: Ms. Sylvia Eggert at 510.594.2614 or seggert@piedmont.k12.ca.us
*Updated July 25, 2017
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The Piedmont Unified School District is located in Piedmont, California, a city of approximately 11,000 residents in the San Francisco Bay Area. The outstanding staff provides a remarkable education and learning environment for all students. The residents of Piedmont demonstrate a strong sense of community and are committed to maintaining and enhancing educational programs, services and facilities.
How does our little school district need/get 175 coaches, and are they all paid? Astonishing!
Yaay!
It took waay too long, but *finally* Booker did the right thing. Basically, he is now fixing the problem that he himself created.
Maybe they’ll get smart and hire Coach Lav back…if he’d accept!
Seems like Acuna was like the the Grim Reaper. He came through unwanted by many, fired long term well liked coaches, and then left without a comment. The School Board must now provide an explanation and rehire the dismissed coaches.