3 new administrators selected for Sonoma Valley Unified School District

Two principals and an assistant principal were chosen, pending board approval

The Sonoma Valley Unified School District has selected new principals at Sonoma Valley High School and Flowery Elementary School and an assistant principal of Adele Harrison Middle School, all pending board approval.

Molly Kiss, who served as vice principal at Sonoma Valley High School (SVHS) this academic year, was chosen for the principal position at the school, beginning this fall. Liliana Zepeda, who was just selected as the principal of Flowery Elementary School, joined SVUSD in spring 2013 as a bilingual classroom teacher at Flowery. Current Petaluma Junior High School Assistant Principal Danna Rocca has been selected as vice president of Adele Harrison Middle School.

As vice principal at SVHS, Kiss oversaw he counseling department, student wellness, discipline and many other aspects of the student and staff experience.

“I look forward to serving students and supporting our staff as we continue to adjust to a new normal with a focus on high expectations, support and wellness, for all in our SVHS community,” she said. “I know the Sonoma community has had its fair share of turnover at several levels of our system. I appreciate the community’s faith in me and I look forward to serving them for the foreseeable future.”

Kiss joined SVUSD in summer 2021 after serving as vice principal at Galileo Academy of Science and Technology in the San Francisco Unified School District. Originally from Portland, Oregon, she is an alumna of the University of San Francisco and has a master’s degree in education in school counseling. She also has a pupil personnel services credential and an administrative services credential.

“Ms. Kiss has spent a year learning about our community, our staff and our students,” said Dr. Adrian Palazuelos, superintendent of Sonoma Valley Unified School District. “Her veteran leadership as a secondary administrator here and in San Francisco will serve our students well. I welcome her to this leadership position and remain committed to supporting her and the Sonoma Valley High School community now and in the future.”

Zepeda previously taught kindergarten and fourth grade at Flowery, led professional learning community work, served as secretary on the executive board of the Valley of the Moon Teachers Association and helped to lead many teachers.

“I am so honored to step into this role and lead such a wonderful school with rich traditions, committed staff and beautiful community,” Zepeda said. “I have dreamed of taking this step in my career and am grateful to the community who selected me.”

Zepeda completed her teaching credential and undergraduate work a Long Beach State University and recently earned her administrative credential at Sonoma State University.

“Ms. Zepeda brings veteran dual immersion experience and instructional leadership at the primary and upper level of elementary that will help provide a steady hand as we continue to address our return during the pandemic,” Palazuelos said. “Ms. Zepeda clearly has the support of the Flowery community and I remain impressed with her instructional leadership and committed work ethic.”

Prior to her time in administration, Rocca taught secondary English, Gifted and Talented Education programs, and elementary school in Petaluma, mostly with Petaluma City Schools.

“I love middle school students,” she said. “They make me smile every day.”

Rocca said she is “inspired by various programs that Adele offers to its student body and see Adele as a natural fit for my dedication to students and drive to make a positive impact of their lives, daily.”

“Ms. Rocca will make a great team with our new principal, Kelly Kriss, at Adele. “The energy that Ms. Rocca brought in the interviews, specifically when speaking about her work with young adults, was contagious and we look forward to this translating to positive outcomes for the Adele Harrison community.”

Reach the reporter, Dan Johnson, at daniel.johnson@sonomanews.com.