Several years ago, Manteca High School opened a unique student-run credit union program where students not only earned academic credits but also learned real-world job skills.

Buffaloes’ Vice Principal Raul Mora was instrumental in the realization of this program on campus. That’s just one of the many legacies he is leaving behind as he takes on the new role of principal at East Union High School, Manteca High’s cross-town rival decades ago when the town only had the two high school campuses.

East Union also happens to be the alma mater of Manteca High principal Frank Gonzales, putting Mora on an equal professional level with the Buffaloes administrative head when the 2014-2015 school year opens in August.

In the recommendation for Mora’s promotion to the Lancers’ turf to the Board of Trustees, the interviewing committee described the California State University, Chico alumnus as one who “works tirelessly for the district and continues creating a quality program for students, staff and parents.”

Mora was introduced as the new East Union principal to succeed John Alba who is retiring from his post during Tuesday’s meeting of the school board.

In addition to the student-run Credit Union, some of the programs in which Mora has been active and has supported include Give Every Child a Chance tutoring, Gang Awareness and Prevention, Latino Graduation Ceremonies, Small Learning Community for At-risk Students, and opening an English Learner computer lab.

Mora was vice principal at Manteca High from 2004 to 2009. He became assistant principal in 2009. He was also vice principal at Joshua Cowell School from 2003 to 2004. He came to Manteca Unified in 2001 when he was appointed principal at French Camp School.

In addition to his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science at Cal State Chico, he holds an Administrative Services credential from Cal State, Sacramento.