New principal named for Prestwood Elementary

Sonoma’s Prestwood Elementary School has named Jennifer Bass Montgomery as its new principal.

Montgomery, 32, joins SVUSD from Lakeport Unified School District, where she most recently was assistant principal of Terrace Middle School. During her 10 years in education, she has worked in special education, as a classroom paraeducator, athletic coach, a seventh-grade history teacher and as an assistant principal.

Reached immediately after attending the Sonoma Valley Unified School District new staff orientation event on Aug. 2, Montgomery said she fell in love with Sonoma a few months ago when visiting the town for the first time.

“My goal has always been to be an elementary school principal so when I saw the job posting for a Sonoma role, I rushed to apply,” she said. “As a former history teacher, I was immediately drawn to the town.”

Former Prestwood Principal Catherine Larkin announced her resignation on July 13, 2021, after two years in the job, to take a new position in the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District as a program manager within its education services department.

Over the past two years, the Sonoma Valley Unified School District has struggled with leadership resignations at many of its district campuses including Sonoma Valley High (Alberto Solorzano), Adele Harrison Middle School (Mary Ann Spitzer), Flowery Elementary (Esmeralda Moseley), Sassarini Elementary (Tom Stubbs/Andrew Ryan) and Woodland Charter School (Jamie Lloyd) as well as with the departure of former Superintendent Socorro Shiels in November 2020.

Larkin replaced Jason Sutter as principal of the 370-student eastside elementary school in 2019.

Montgomery grew up in Lakeport and Mariposa. She received her undergraduate degree from Chico State University and her master’s degree in education from Western Governors University in Utah.

"Ms. Montgomery brings expertise and passion for students that will seamlessly support Prestwood students and families through our transition to return to in-person instruction,” said Elizabeth Kaufman, associate superintendent of education services, in a press release announcing the new hire. “Her focus on students and true love of engaging them as learners both inside and outside the classroom are great additions to Prestwood's legacy of parent and community involvement for student success."

Montgomery said she was impressed by the level of commitment evidenced by the panel of interviewers she faced during the interview process in Sonoma.

“I could tell that this community really cares about the children here and they shared a very positive outlook for the coming year,” she said. “I’m excited to be a part of the team.”

Montgomery‘s hiring will be made official at the Aug. 17 Sonoma Valley Unified board meeting.

Contact Lorna at lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com.