After 23 years of teaching, 15 of which that were performed in the Roseville Joint Union School District, Granite Bay High School English teacher Judi Daniels will step in as the new assistant principal of Roseville High School this fall. Daniels, who has spent much of her time over the years in leadership development and mentoring, is enthusiastic about her transition to RHS.

     “I’m tremendously excited to start,” said Daniels. “Ever since the first time I stepped on the campus, I knew it was somewhere that I wanted to be.”

     Daniels had initially visited the RHS campus during the 2011 ‘High School on the Hill’ event and described the feeling she had felt as an overwhelming sense of community and unity that was demonstrated throughout the school.

     “While I was walking around the campus and watching all the kids run around, I could feel the pride and tradition that this school had to offer,” said Daniels.

     Daniels describes herself as a fun-loving, friendly and easy-going person, but also knows that there’s a time for a more serious attitude when it comes to administration. She also acknowledges that becoming an assistant principal will be a tough transition, and that certain programs such as No Child Left Behind will create challenges, but she has been watching and working with administration for years and believes she is up for the task.

     “I love talking to all the kids and getting to know them,” said Daniels. “I realize that it’s going to be a tough job, but I’m ready for it.”

     Principal Brad Basham believes that Daniels will become his right-hand woman, with many of the assistant principal’s responsibilities shifting with the transition. Assistant principal Jason Wilson will now be in charge of overseeing athletics, while Daniels will focus more on professional development, the PAWS schedule and discipline.

     “I’m very excited that Ms. Daniels is coming to Roseville,” said Basham. “She’s extremely smart and loves the students.”

     Basham believes that Daniels’ qualifications are evident by her long teaching career and her relationship with current and former students. Out of the 173 applications submitted for the position, he believes that she was the best replacement for assistant principal Nancy Veilleux.

     “Honestly, I believe that she’s one of the best teachers in the district,” said Basham. “I’m confident that she’ll fit in well here.”

     Daniels believes that, while she has developed such good relationships with many of her students and fellow teachers and administration, it is her time to go.

     “I have a lot of friends here [Granite Bay],” said Daniels. “I love all the kids and I’m really sad to leave, but I’m really excited about moving to Roseville.”