The Cupertino Courier
Education
Veteran educator Paul Cheng takes an FUHSD administrative post July 1
The Fremont Union High School District governing board has announced the appointment of Paul Cheng as the new associate superintendent of administrative services. He begins his new duties July 1.
Cheng worked in the San Francisco Unified School District for the past 34 years, 16 as the principal of Lowell High School.
"During his many interviews he showed himself to be a deeply thoughtful man with tremendous judgment and caring," said superintendent Polly Bove. "He has spent his career placing students first."
As associate superintendent of administrative services, Cheng will oversee human resources, student welfare and attendance, residency verification, and adult and community education. He will also assist Bove and academic deputy superintendent Kate Jamentz in support of the district's five high school principals.
"It is an honor to be a member of superintendent Polly Bove's team," said Cheng. "I look forward to working closely on her behalf with all the constituent groups, key stakeholders and partners who contribute to the district's success."
During his career, Cheng has served as a high school assistant principal, curriculum specialist, project manager and teacher. He has been involved with numerous professional, community and educational organizations including Chinatown Youth Center, the Association of Chinese American Administrators and Hawaii's Department of Education.
In 2004, Cheng, who holds a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's in teaching social studies and educational administration, was selected as one of nine administrators from across the nation to participate in the Public Education Leadership Summer Program at Harvard University.
New principal taking over at Cupertino High
After an extensive search, the Fremont Union High School District has hired Kami Samaniego as the new principal of Cupertino High School. She starts July 1.
Samaniego, an administrator and teacher for the past 17 years in the New Haven Unified School District, holds a professional administrative credential, teaching credentials in mathematics and English and a master's degree in curriculum development.
"I am excited to work in such a supportive, diverse community dedicated to its young people and their education," said Samaniego.
In 2000, Samaniego was named California Teacher of the Year and earned national board certification as a teacher of English language arts for adolescents and young Aaults.
She has extensive experience in developing programs for English learners and has facilitated staff development for beginning and experienced teachers in areas of literacy, assessment and data analysis.
Samaniego replaces Cary Matsuoka, who left Cupertino High last summer to become the superintendent of the Los Gatos/Saratoga High School District.
