The Santa Barbara Education Foundation has added Goleta Valley Junior High School Principal Clanci Chiu to its Board of Directors as the Santa Barbara Unified School District principal representative.

Chiu’s dedication to public education is rooted in her experiences as a product of local schools, the foundation said.

She continued her studies at UC Santa Barbara, earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a secondary teaching credential.

Chiu has been an educator locally since 1990, teaching math at La Cumbre Junior High, Santa Barbara Junior High, and San Marcos High School.

She later transitioned into administration, serving as director of Curriculum and Instruction at the Santa Barbara County Education Office.

Now, as a Goleta Valley Junior High School principal, she inspires students and builds community connections.

“I think public education is one of the most important fields out there,” Chiu said. “Educators come every day to build connections with students, provide learning experiences, and offer opportunities for growth.

“Ultimately, students are the ones who will shape what our world will be in the years to come.”

Founded in 1985, the Santa Barbara Education Foundation promotes private support of Santa Barbara’s public education system, serving some 12,500 students in 21 schools.

For more information, visit santabarbaraeducation.org.