Formally accepting a position with the San Joaquin County Office of Education, Ron Costa will be leaving his post as Escalon Unified School District Superintendent.
No start date has been given for Costa's tenure with the county, as he just accepted the post in late December and notified school officials here shortly after. Escalon school board members will discuss options for replacing Costa at their Tuesday, Jan. 15 session, which also could be when they accept his resignation.
"I heard about an opening in November and it was an opportunity that doesn't come along very often," Costa said, noting that he has accepted the post of Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for San Joaquin County.
In the role, Costa said he sees the possibility of being able to have a wide-ranging impact.
"As a classroom teacher, you impact 30 to 40 kids, as a principal typically it's about 800 and as the district superintendent, I've been able to impact about 3,000 kids," Costa said. "Here, I can have a positive effect on over 150,000 kids."
Announcement of the appointment came in a statement released by the county office on Jan. 4.
"It is with great excitement that the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) announces its selection of Ron Costa to fill the vacant position of Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at SJCOE," noted Public Information Officer Shelly Reilly in the statement. "Costa brings extensive experience in teaching, site administration, and district administration. He is currently the Superintendent of Escalon Unified School District. Prior to this position, Costa was the Assistant Superintendent at Riverbank Unified School District. He also served as Principal at Rio Altura School in Riverbank Unified School District."
A graduate of UC Davis with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences and Management, Costa received his teaching credential from Chapman University and later completed his Master of Science in Educational Administration from National University. He received his Administrative Credential from California State University, Stanislaus.
"My formal title is assistant superintendent for educational services and really that encompasses everything that involves student instruction," Costa said, ranging from early childhood education to migrant education programs, instructional technology to overseeing a regional system of district and school support.
"I am excited to have someone with Ron's experience and passion as a part of our leadership team," said county Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mick Founts. "He is a solid instructional leader who balances management with a deep love of all youth. It is a great honor to welcome Ron to our SJCOE family."
And while it is an opportunity that Costa said he couldn't turn down, the decision was still not an easy one to make.
"It was a very, very difficult decision. I really love being part of the Escalon team," Costa said on Monday. "This was an unexpected opportunity, a once in a lifetime thing but it is difficult to leave somewhere where you're very happy."
Tuesday night's school board meeting should help bring into focus the immediate future of the Escalon district, whether they will utilize an interim superintendent or leave the post vacant and begin a search for Costa's replacement. He also said he will work with the board to make sure the administrative duties are covered before he departs for the county office.
"That will be part of the decision on how long they would like me to stay," Costa said. "I have allegiance to Escalon; I definitely don't want to run out, there are some things I would like to finish."
Costa said he knows some of the same issues he faces here, working within the constraints of a tight budget while still looking to provide essential services, will also be part of the job description with the county office.
Costa formally accepted the county job offer on Dec. 21.
No start date has been given for Costa's tenure with the county, as he just accepted the post in late December and notified school officials here shortly after. Escalon school board members will discuss options for replacing Costa at their Tuesday, Jan. 15 session, which also could be when they accept his resignation.
"I heard about an opening in November and it was an opportunity that doesn't come along very often," Costa said, noting that he has accepted the post of Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for San Joaquin County.
In the role, Costa said he sees the possibility of being able to have a wide-ranging impact.
"As a classroom teacher, you impact 30 to 40 kids, as a principal typically it's about 800 and as the district superintendent, I've been able to impact about 3,000 kids," Costa said. "Here, I can have a positive effect on over 150,000 kids."
Announcement of the appointment came in a statement released by the county office on Jan. 4.
"It is with great excitement that the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) announces its selection of Ron Costa to fill the vacant position of Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at SJCOE," noted Public Information Officer Shelly Reilly in the statement. "Costa brings extensive experience in teaching, site administration, and district administration. He is currently the Superintendent of Escalon Unified School District. Prior to this position, Costa was the Assistant Superintendent at Riverbank Unified School District. He also served as Principal at Rio Altura School in Riverbank Unified School District."
A graduate of UC Davis with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences and Management, Costa received his teaching credential from Chapman University and later completed his Master of Science in Educational Administration from National University. He received his Administrative Credential from California State University, Stanislaus.
"My formal title is assistant superintendent for educational services and really that encompasses everything that involves student instruction," Costa said, ranging from early childhood education to migrant education programs, instructional technology to overseeing a regional system of district and school support.
"I am excited to have someone with Ron's experience and passion as a part of our leadership team," said county Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mick Founts. "He is a solid instructional leader who balances management with a deep love of all youth. It is a great honor to welcome Ron to our SJCOE family."
And while it is an opportunity that Costa said he couldn't turn down, the decision was still not an easy one to make.
"It was a very, very difficult decision. I really love being part of the Escalon team," Costa said on Monday. "This was an unexpected opportunity, a once in a lifetime thing but it is difficult to leave somewhere where you're very happy."
Tuesday night's school board meeting should help bring into focus the immediate future of the Escalon district, whether they will utilize an interim superintendent or leave the post vacant and begin a search for Costa's replacement. He also said he will work with the board to make sure the administrative duties are covered before he departs for the county office.
"That will be part of the decision on how long they would like me to stay," Costa said. "I have allegiance to Escalon; I definitely don't want to run out, there are some things I would like to finish."
Costa said he knows some of the same issues he faces here, working within the constraints of a tight budget while still looking to provide essential services, will also be part of the job description with the county office.
Costa formally accepted the county job offer on Dec. 21.
