The man who had filled in as interim principal at Pioneer Valley High School will become the next leader at the campus. 

Paul Robinson’s selection as the third principal of the campus in northeast Santa Maria will be approved at the next meeting for the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District. 

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Robinson into his new role and look forward to his continued service and leadership at PVHS,’’ said Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Kevin Platt. 

“He brings a deep understanding of our district and a strong commitment to student success, making him an excellent fit to lead the PVHS community,” Platt added. “We are confident that his experience and vision will support the success of our staff, students, and families as we move forward together.”

The selection ends months of turmoil regarding the school’s leadership.

He will replace Principal Shanda Herrera, who was placed on administrative leave weeks into the 2024-2025 school year. 

Last month, the board announced Herrera, only the second principal of the campus that opened in 2004, had been relieved of her job and would be reassigned.

Robinson has worked for the high school district since 2012 including filling assistant principal positions at PVHS from 2016-2019 and at Santa Maria High from 2012-2016. 

Since 2019, he served as director of career technical education. He became interim principal of Pioneer Valley in September.

“I am honored to serve the students, parents, staff, and community at PVHS,’’ Robinson said. “I look forward to carrying on the great traditions at PVHS, expanding educational opportunities for our students and supporting our great school community.’’ 

Staff were notified about the announcement last week, district representatives said.