Maite Iturri resigns from El Verano Elementary

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Popular longtime El Verano Elementary School Principal Maite Iturri submitted her resignation this week. Iturri, who has worked in the Sonoma Valley Unified School District for more than 25 years, is leaving to take on a leadership role as District Academic Coordinator for Petaluma City Schools.

In a letter to the school community on Aug. 11, new Sonoma Valley Unified Superintendent Adrian Palazuelos stated that once his office was aware of Iturri’s desire for a district-level position, they “worked diligently to identify an opportunity for (Iturri) to continue to work in SVUSD where she could utilize her knowledge, skills and abilities on a district level,” but that Iturri declined the role offered.

“We understand when educators feel the need to take the next steps in their professional career and wish them continued success,” said Palazuelos.

The first day of school in Sonoma is Aug. 17. District staff are currently working on an interim leadership plan for El Verano School, Palazuelos said, noting also that input sessions will be scheduled for the community to share the qualities and attributes they are looking for in the next leader of El Verano Elementary.

In the Petaluma City Schools District office, Iturri will join former Prestwood Principal Jason Sutter who now serves as assistant superintendent of human resources there and former Flowery School Principal Esmeralda Moseley Sanchez who serves as its director of education services, curriculum and instruction.