The new principal for Santa Ynez Valley Union High School will arrive this summer with a background of three decades working in education and a push toward 21st century learning.
Michael Niehoff, who will start this summer, will replace Michele Borges as the leader of the campus with approximately 800 students. The district did not renew Borges’ contract.
Superintendent Andrew Schwab announced Niehoff’s hiring on Tuesday during the school board meeting.
“Niehoff brings with him experience as a high school teacher, activities director, principal, county office administrator, community college administrator and professional learning facilitator,” Schwab said.
“He brings tremendous depth and experience to Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, especially in the areas of 21st century pedagogy, career/technical education, extracurricular programs and school culture,” Schwab said.
“Throughout his career Niehoff has worked tirelessly to support every student in pursuing successful college and career goals while always advancing school partnerships with parents, community members, organizations, businesses and industry partners,” he added.
“We congratulate Mike and welcome him to the Santa Ynez family,” Schwab said.
Niehoff, whose wife is an educator, said he visited the campus in early April.
“I’ve got to tell you, I spent a whole day here and I was extremely impressed with the students (and) their attitude,” he said.
Students introduced themselves to Niehoff, he said.
“I saw the interaction with the teachers and was very impressed and just the overall culture of the school,” Niehoff said. “I’m well aware of the excellence this school has had and the tremendous community that’s here. I’m looking forward to working with you guys. I appreciate the opportunity.”
Niehoff earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a public relations emphasis from California State University, Fresno and a single-subject English credential from Fresno Pacific University.
He also holds two master’s degrees, one in communication for the University of Oregon and another in education.
Most recently, Niehoff has worked as an educational consultant.
He previously worked for the College of the Sequoias in Visalia and a systems and leadership coach for the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools.
He led the opening of Minarets High School in Madera County and remained at the school focused on high-tech, project-based learning for six years.
Before that, he worked as learning director at Clovis High School and director of students activities at Buchanan High School.
Niehoff will be the third principal at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School since the 2019-2020 school year when the district did not renew the contract of Mark Swanitz who held the job for 10 years. Swanitz now serves as principal at Cabrillo High School in Vandenberg Village.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.