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Farewell picnic for former RUSD leader
Picnic Aug. 6 honors ex-superintendent Johnson
Johnson-LT
Former Ripon Unified School District Superintendent Louise Johnson. - photo by Bulletin file photo

Ripon Unified hopes to give Louise Johnson her a proper farewell.

The former superintendent recently stepped down to become superintendent of schools at the Nevada Union High School District.

“We would like to welcome Louise back (for the picnic),” Trustee Kit Oase said at last Monday’s special school board session.

William “Bill” Draa was welcomed aboard to fill in as superintendent on a temporary basis. He served as superintendent for 15 years at the Banta School District, retiring in 2012.

The RUSD picnic is planned for Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Stouffer Park’s Lower Gazebo, beginning at 5 p.m. with a social gathering. Barbecue hot dogs and hamburgers made possible by Trustee Ernie Tyhurst will be served up at 6 o’clock.

Invited guests will have the opportunity to meet new staff members and administrators.

Besides Draa, RUSD has three new principals in place for the 2013-14 school year.

Dante Alvarez takes over at Ripona School from longtime principal Warren Council.

Marlon Gayle, who was vice principal at Bear Creek High (Lodi Unified), replaces Amie Carter as principal at Colony Oak. She left for Marin, citing family reasons, to take on a similar-type job.

Former Ripon High English teacher Sergie Samborski is the new principal / teacher for Ripon Continuation High, which will soon begin its inaugural year.

The new school year begins on Aug. 5. Students return to the classrooms on Wednesday, Aug. 14.

For more information, call RUSD at 209-599-2131.