Dante Alvarez is anxious to start his new job.

He was hired Monday as the new principal at Ripona Elementary School following a comprehensive search by the Ripon Unified School District to fill the vacancy left by long-time by Warren Council, who retired effective April 26 after 19 years at the helm.

“I’m excited to be part of this community. I have many friends and colleagues here at the district,” said Alvarez, who is principal at Capistrano Elementary School of the Empire Union School District in Modesto.

According to Superintendent Louise Johnson, Alvarez and others – as part of the screening process – had to take a written test to see how they would handle certain situations.

Deborah Jackson was hired as the Coordinator for Instructional Improvement.

Jackson comes from the Waterford Unified School District and was recently assigned to the San Joaquin County Office of Education as a Visiting Educator.

Meanwhile, Ripon Unified will be searching for a new principal at Colony Oak School. Amie Carter announced that she’s leaving the district to move with her family to Marin County. She’s already accepted an offer to serve as principal at one of the K-8 schools.

“There are no words to express the depth of gratitude that I have for the Ripon Community, and for mentors such as Superintendent Johnson and (Ripon High principal) Lance Morrow,” said Carter, who also thanked retired superintendent Leo Zuber.

She added: “This is an exceptional educational community and have learned volumes from the dedicated educators.”

Carter also worked at Ripon High and Ripona.

She hopes to assist with the transition ahead “to ensure that the initiatives and programs currently in place at Colony Oak experience continuity,” she said.