District names new principal for Sun Valley

Kimberly Evans, a longtime San Rafael educator, has been named the new principal at Sun Valley Elementary School.

Evans, 42, replaces veteran Sun Valley principal Julie Harris, who left to accept a position in the Mill Valley School District. Evans’ starting annual salary is $136,457.

“Sun Valley has an impressive tradition of academic excellence, equitable practices and strong relationships between teachers and families,” Evans said. “I look forward to supporting the Sun Valley community to continue to accelerate learning for all students, to prioritize social-emotional development and to examine our role in shaping a more just future for all.”

Evans, most recently the assistant principal at Bahia Vista Elementary School in San Rafael, began her teaching career at Venetia Valley School in San Rafael 16 years ago. She later taught at Bahia Vista and served in many leadership roles through the San Rafael City Schools district.

“Throughout her trajectory as an educator, it has been clear that she has a deep commitment to provide all students with access to the very best education,” said Jim Hogeboom, the district superintendent. “Furthermore, she is known for her philosophy that closing the opportunity gap is one of the most important goals for our community.”

Hogeboom said Evans was “highly professional, well organized, tech-savvy and exercises excellent judgment.”

“She is held in high regard among her colleagues as an extremely capable, knowledgeable and dedicated instructional leader with a results-oriented approach,” he added. “She has the integrity, stamina and interpersonal skills needed to implement and sustain an academic program that propels student achievement and elevates the school community as a whole.”

Evans is one of three new elementary school principals in San Rafael for the 2020-21 school year. The thers are Kristina Hopkins at San Pedro and Apolinar Quesada at Venetia Valley.