Meet our new School Superintendent
Richard Rhodes, New Superintendent of Schools
Pictured here at a Lions Club Picnic in BieberCopyright 2008, Big Valley News
Bob Watson was the superintendent of Big Valley Unified School District last year, taking over the job because of the untimely death of MarkEvans. As well as doing the job as superintendent, Mr Watson was charged with recruiting a new superintendent and principal of the high school. Mr Watson is retired.
Our new person for this position is Richard Rhodes. Mr. Rhodes will be both superindendent and principal. Our new vice principal is Troy Whittle.
Richard Rhodes was carefully selected by Bob Watson as an administrator who understands the unique problems of a rural school district. Mr Rhodes grew up in between Round Mountain and Montgomery creek on Fenders Ferry Road a few miles west of here. He left Round Mountain to join the Navy in 1984 where he worked for the Naval Educationa Office on the Aircrafft Carrier USS America, CV66.
Mr. Rhodes returned home to California and attended Shasta College, Chico State, Simson University in Redding and USC and received his Doctorate in Educational Leadership. He credits the military which allowed him to pursue a college education.
While at Shasta College he became a drill Seargeant with the Army Reserve which helped pay for his schooling. He spent time in Burney working for Thomas Logging and then took his first teaching job in Willits CA. in 1992
He then left to Shingletown CA. spending 9 years as a Principal and Superintendent. He then went to the Pacheco School District in Redding/Anderson spending another 3 years as Principal/Superintendent.
Mr Rhdes is president elect of the Small School District Association of California and a 5 year member of the Lions Club. He will be joining the Big Valley Lions Club. He is also a life member of Veterans Of Foriegn Wars.
He has a wife who grew up in Fall River Mills and has 3 children, Anthony, 22, Megan, 15 and Clayton, 14. Both Megan and Clayton will be attending Big Valley High.. He is also purchasing a house in Big Valley so he will live close by.