The school district will welcome a new member to its executive
team this summer.
The school district will welcome a new member to its executive team this summer.
Enrique Palacios, 52, will come aboard as the new assistant superintendent of administrative services, a position that was vacated in February when Steve Brinkman took a position with the Pasadena Unified School District. In the meantime, Hardy Childers – former assistant superintendent of administrative services in the Oak Grove School District – filled the position.
Palacios comes to Gilroy from the New Haven Unified School District in Union City where he was executive director of operations for nearly three years. He was chosen from a pool of 10 outstanding candidates, Superintendent Deborah Flores said. He was the one candidate that “has risen above all the others,” she said. He was chosen on the basis of his depth of experience, she said. Palacios holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from the University of the District of Columbia and a Master’s degree in public administration and finance from New York University. He has experience in accounting and facilities operations and planned, developed and garnered voter approval for three bond programs totaling $195 million. He is currently planning a $150 million bond program for the November elections to benefit his current district.
Not at all nervous about tackling the district’s financial hurdles, “I see all of this as an opportunity to do some things differently,” Palacios said. At his current district, Palacios implemented creative, environmentally friendly ways to save money like installing solar panels and water saving facilities.
He is looking forward to moving to a district that is growing from his current district where he recently had to shut down two schools because of declining enrollment.
“Gilroy is very attractive because of the growth,” he said. The position is also a step up from his current job and will include a raise. He and Flores are negotiating a contract. However, Flores said that $160,000 is the average salary for the position in Santa Clara County. Flores hopes to have the board officially approve his contract at the June 19 board meeting.
“I’m really looking forward to having someone on the job who’s going to be full time and stay,” Flores said.
Palacios resides in Oakland and will keep his family there, commuting to Gilroy. He is married with four children. Born in Baltimore, Palacios was raised in Peru and speaks fluent Spanish.
“We’re very excited about him joining the team,” Board President Rhoda Bress said. “In these difficult budget times, we need a very dedicated and competent person. Mr. Palacios was our choice.” Bress said she was impressed with his vision to use capital projects to promote education.
“We’re going to have some great results,” Palacios said.
