Jillian Beall to head Glen Ellen’s Dunbar School

Adele vice principal tapped for top spot at Glen Ellen elementary|

Adele Harrison Middle School vice principal Jillian Beall has been tapped to take over as principal of Dunbar Elementary School in Glen Ellen, effective July 1.

Sonoma Valley Unified School District Superintendent Louann Carlomagno announced the appointment on Friday. Beall will remain in her role at Adele until the end of the current school year. Earlier this year, longtime Dunbar principal Melanie Blake announced her plans to retire at the end of the 2016-2017 school year.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Dunbar community,” said Beall. “The school is so rich in its history. I feel so grateful for the opportunity to work with its students, families and staff.”

Beall, 33, is a graduate of Sonoma State University. She received her undergraduate degree in 2008, her multiple subject teaching credential in 2009 and her administrative credential in 2015. Currently, she is working toward completing her master’s degree in educational leadership, also at SSU.

Prior to coming to Sonoma Valley, Beall taught at Roseland Collegiate Prep Middle-High School and Roseland Accelerated Middle School in Santa Rosa. During that time, she also served both schools as the Accelerated Schools site coach, and interim assistant principal at Roseland Accelerated Middle School.

Beall’s husband, Travis, teaches English at Roseland University Prep and they have two children, Nolan and Lily. They live in Rincon Valley.

While at Adele, Beall has served as the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) district director, English Learner manager, and co-facilitator for schoolwide restorative practices trainings.

Beall said that learning Spanish is a priority for her. She has enrolled in classes and looks forward to learning the language alongside her older child who is enrolled in the bilingual program at Flowery Elementary School.

According to the district press release, Beall “is viewed by her colleagues as an administrator who holds high expectations for herself, students, and staff; has a firm grasp on curriculum, content standards and program implementation; and is committed to equity in the educational experiences for all students.”

“One of Jillian’s many strengths is successfully working with very diverse student populations, pushing ?each student to strive for his or her best,” said Carlomagno.

“She is a strong and fierce advocate for students who may traditionally be underrepresented in college and career paths even starting at the earliest grades.”

Adele principal Mary Ann Spitzer added, “Jillian’s impact on the students, staff, and Adele community has been amazing. She has been a hands-on, resourceful team member and she will be missed. I take comfort in knowing she will still be in the district and working her magic at Dunbar.”

Contact Lorna at lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com.

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