SOLANA BEACH — The Solana Beach School District is looking ahead to the new school year with three new district-level administrators and a new principal at Solana Vista School.
According to the district, Lisa Wilken has been hired as the new principal of Solana Vista. She brings 27 years of education experience, having previously held principal positions in 4S Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos and Poway.
Before that, she worked as an educator in the Del Mar Union and Las Virgenes Unified school districts.
Antonio Gurrola has been hired as assistant superintendent of business services, overseeing the district’s financial and operational goals. He is returning to the district after working there for 10 years and has worked in school district financial services, including as director of finance in the Poway Unified School District.
The district said Sarah Raskin is the new director of instruction and education technology. She brings 24 years of education experience as an administrator and educator, with a focus on utilizing technology in instruction. For the past four years, she served as Del Mar Union School District’s coordinator of curriculum and instruction.
Cheri Bené will serve as the district’s director of special education services, overseeing the district’s special education programs. She has worked as a coordinator, director and program supervisor for special education programs in Oceanside Unified and San Dieguito Union school districts.
“We are excited to welcome such a talented group of educational leaders to the Solana Beach School District,” said Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Burks. “Their skills and dedication will be instrumental in ensuring SBSD continues to foster an environment where each and every student can thrive. We are confident that their contributions will positively impact our schools, staff, and community as we continue to inspire excellence and innovation in education.”
