A new start: Vega leaves behind plethora of initiatives under way

SAN BENITO — Superintendent Dr. Adrian Vega will finish up the school year, but then he will move on to a new career in a new city.

Last night, San Benito school board members unanimously accepted his resignation.

The move happened during a special meeting of the school board after holding an executive session.

Vega began working as the district’s leader Jan. 4, 2016. The district says Vega and trustees enjoyed a good working relationship while working closely with staff members to accomplish several goals.

Vega submitted his resignation last Tuesday during a regular board meeting where he informed board members that he is pursuing a job opportunity outside of public education.

His resignation becomes effective Friday, June 9. He will be leaving behind several initiatives he and the board worked on together.

In addition to all the work done with the Re-Imagine 2021 Five-Year Strategic Plan, Vega, with the help of the board, was able to make some major purchases for several departments, conduct audits in core areas and complete a compensation study. His new opportunity, which he declined to specify, will take him out of the area.

“This is the place I want to be,” he said about the new position. “The opportunity that has been given is a complete career move for me. This literally came to me. I did not seek it out. Sometimes in life, things surface and I talked with my wife and we prayed about it.”

It was important to Vega that he is here for graduation and to ensure a smooth transition.

“I told the board as soon as I found out so I could help through that transition,” Vega said. “I want to make sure I am here to help and ensure the continuity of the direction of the district.”

Prior to taking the helm here, Vega served as the Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning with the Tucson Arizona Unified School District.

He was previously a high school principal with the Ector County Independent School District and a middle school principal with the Tyler Independent School District. The decision to leave San Benito came as a surprise for Vega and certainly for the board and community.

“I was shocked that the opportunity presented itself,” Vega said last week. “It was nothing I sought.”

Before the opportunity came up, Vega said he had not considered leaving San Benito.

“Whatever people think, this has absolutely nothing to do with the district or the board,” he said. “I will be eternally grateful to them and I am extremely thankful. They have been nothing but supportive. Look at what we have been able to do as a team.”