Jacki Horejs will become superintendent of Union School District
in Campbell
By Kelly Savio Staff Writer
Gilroy – The Gilroy Unified School District will say good-bye to a key player at the end of the month as Jacki Horejs, assistant superintendent of educational services, steps into her new role as superintendent of Union School District in Campbell.
“First, I’m thrilled that she was selected as superintendent – she’s certainly qualified and she’ll do a great job,” said Edwin Diaz, GUSD’s superintendent. “But, it will certainly leave a big hole in our organization. We’ve been so focused on improving instruction over the last six years, and Jacki’s been at the forefront of that. It will be a big loss for us.”
Horejs was appointed to her new position Nov. 1 and her last day with the district will be Nov. 30. She’s been with the district for about five and a half years.
“I have mixed feelings about leaving; on one hand, I’m very excited about taking on a new challenge, and I’m looking forward to what I think will be a wonderful experience,” Horejs said. “But I will miss the fine staff members here at Gilroy Unified. I’m so proud to have been a member of this district, and I have many caring, dedicated colleagues. So, leaving will be bittersweet.”
The district plans to advertise Horejs’ position state-wide. Applications will be reviewed, a panel will make recommendations to the district and a selection will be made, Diaz said.
The district is currently considering having an outside group handle the process in hopes of getting a broader range of applicants. The details of how the district will handle the hiring process should be finalized within the next two weeks, Diaz said.
“In the meantime, Jacki is giving me plenty of input about what’s needed, the organization of the department and some possibilities for her successor,” Diaz said. “She and I will probably be meeting quite a bit over the next couple of weeks.”
As Horejs prepares to leave, she said she’ll be bringing many learning experiences from her time at GUSD with her. She also has a few pieces of advice for her successor.
“Enjoy the work, and be sure to validate the good work of all the people here,” she said. “I think Gilroy Unified has an enormously talented group of professionals, and whoever steps in to this position should recognize the caliber of their colleagues and make them feel good about the work they do.”
