Joseph Vidal named new principal of Laguna Beach’s Thurston Middle School

Joseph Vidal will be the next principal of Thurston Middle School.

The Laguna Beach Unified School District approved the appointment of Vidal to the position on Thursday. His start date has yet to be determined.

Vidal was an assistant principal at Thurston Middle School from 2013 to 2015. Currently the senior director of student support services for the Cupertino Union School District, Vidal comes with more than 20 years of experience as an education administrator. He earned master’s degrees in educational leadership and in special education.

“It is with great honor and excitement that I rejoin Thurston Middle School and the Laguna Beach community,” Vidal said in a statement. “As I begin my transition, I am deeply committed to maintaining Thurston’s history of excellence and ensuring a rigorous learning environment that fosters a sense of belonging, promotes intellectual growth, and inspires collaboration.

“I look forward to listening, learning and partnering with all stakeholders to enhance the educational opportunities for students and staff alike.”

Vidal will take over as principal of the district’s lone middle school, replacing Jennifer Salberg, who resigned last month.

District Deputy Supt. Leisa Winston said that Jeanne Iman, the interim principal for Thurston Middle School, will continue to serve in that role until Vidal’s family can get situated following a move back from Northern California. She added that it is anticipated that Vidal’s start date could come in early October.

Members of the Thurston Middle School community will have a chance to meet Vidal after his start date is determined, with the manner of that event depending on the state’s coronavirus guidelines pertaining to large gatherings.

From the pool of candidates, 10 went on to the first of three rounds of interviews. Six moved on to be interviewed by parents, teachers, support staff and administrators, and the final three were interviewed by district Supt. Jason Viloria and other district administrators, a press release stated.

“Mr. Vidal distinguished himself as the best candidate for this position, demonstrating his instructional leadership and innovation throughout the interview and screening process,” Viloria said in the release. “I am excited to welcome him back to the Laguna Beach Unified School District at Thurston Middle School, where I am confident he will help the students, teachers, staff and community thrive.”

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