At the school board meeting on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, VUSD appointed Dr. Brandon Gridiron as Principal of Redwood High School.
By Ayla Ozturk
On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, Dr. Brandon Gridiron was officially named Principal of Redwood High School.
On a motion from Trustee Dr. Randy Villegas (Area 6) and a second from Trustee Walta Gamoian (Area 1), the Visalia Unified School District [VUSD] Board of Education unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Gridiron to the position.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Gridiron
“I feel blessed,” Dr. Gridiron says. “I am incredibly grateful and honored to have the privilege to serve as Principal of such an incredible school.”
Dr. Gridiron was appointed interim principal at the start of the year after Dr. Amanda Richard resigned. The goal was to find a new principal while he temporarily filled the position.
“Through our search process and focus groups it was clear that what the school community desired in the next principal was reflected in Dr. Gridiron. In his short time at Redwood, he has demonstrated those qualities, and it was apparent that moving forward, he was the right person to serve as the next principal,” VUSD Superintendent Kirk Shrum says.
When searching for Redwood’s next principal, Shrum said he was looking for someone with a vision for Redwood and a plan to make it happen.
Shrum says, “[Dr. Gridiron] has a vision for all students. He is about ensuring all students have access and support to succeed. He is ready to work with all of the school community to focus on improving academic outcomes.”
Dr. Gridiron says he chose to remain Redwood’s principal because of the students and staff. “It is truly a joy to come to work every day,” he says. “I love being on campus, interacting with our students, and working with our staff.”
“I genuinely feel this opportunity draws me closer to my purpose of breathing life into those I serve.”
– Dr. Brandon Gridiron
Dr. Gridiron served as the district Administrator of Equity and Student Services before his appointment as principal. “There are many similarities [between the two positions],” he says. “Specifically, the goal of ensuring equity and access to opportunities and resources.”
“One of the greatest lessons I learned is that equity is about listening to and considering the voices of those we serve so that we understand what it is they need. Because equity truly is about VOICE [Valuing Others Individual Commitments to Equity], and we all deserve the space for our voices to be heard.”
Ayla Ozturk
Ayla Ozturk, class of 2024, is a fourth-year journalism student passionate about leading the News section. She is dedicated to informing students and amplifying their voices through Government and Politics writing.
You can reach her at ayla.oz3769@vusd.us.
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