A former Grossmont Union High School District principal will soon lead Lakeside Union School District, returning to a district where he’s spent much of his career and where he’s found a unique level of community .
Scott Goergens, who starts as Lakeside superintendent July 1, was most recently the principal of El Capitan High School in Lakeside, and before then of Lakeside Farms Elementary and Tierra Del Sol Middle.
Reached by phone Tuesday, Goergens said leading El Capitan is his favorite job he’s ever had. But when he learned the current superintendent of Lakeside was leaving, he wanted to ensure her successor knows the community, cares about students, wants to teachers and “wants the job for all the right reasons.”
He praised in particular the from the community in the Lakeside district, saying nearly all classified staff there live in and are engaged with the community. It’s not the same elsewhere, he said.
“Those are things that other communities don’t have, that Lakeside does have — and I know they are willing to our kids and our schools,” he said.
Goergens said he’s been able to observe fantastic teachers and can on what he’s learned works. “I’m kind of the messenger that’s able to see these great strategies,” he said.
Lara Hoefer Moir, the president of the district’s board of trustees, praised Goergens in a news release.
“His deep roots in our community, combined with his proven leadership and commitment to student success, make him the perfect fit to build upon our district’s strong foundation. We believe his ion for Lakeside will resonate throughout our schools and community,” she wrote.
The board formally approved his contract on May 8. Its news release noted Goergens’ understanding of the district’s needs, dedication to a high-achieving environment and collaborative learning style.
Candidates had been interviewed for the position last month, following a paper screening, after Lakeside’s current superintendent, Rhonda Taylor, announced her retirement in February. She had spent 32 years with the district.
Lakeside Union Elementary School District serves around 4,800 students. It has six elementary schools and two middle schools.
