Fred Van Vleck, assistant superintendent of business services for Ceres Unified since 2009, will be vacating his position at the end of the school year.
Van Vleck, 39, was appointed new superintendent of Eureka City Schools last week.
The vote was unanimous. He'll start his new job on July 1.
"The opportunity came up for me to move back home," said Van Vleck, a native of Humboldt County. "I applied and was hired. Ceres truly prepared me to be a superintendent. It was a fantastic district to learn in. I've grown very close to so many people here. It's what I'll miss the most."
Van Vleck has worked for Ceres Unified for eight years. He joined the district in 2004 as the founding Principal of Central Valley High School. He filled that position for four years.
Van Vleck was director of curriculum and instruction for one year and assistant superintendent of business services for three years.
"It would have been nice to have Fred here his entire career," Ceres Unified Supt. Scott Siegel. "But I never believed that would happen. When you have good people, you're not going to have them forever. We were lucky. Fred's very thoughtful in his approach to things. He's very knowledgeable. He's very well-rounded. He'll be missed. I'm sure he'll do an outstanding job there."
Van Vleck interviewed with Eureka City Schools Board of Trustees on March 2.
"Dr. Van Vleck is an innovative leader and a proven team builder who honors all members of the educational community," stated David Dermant, Eureka City Schools Elementary Music Teacher and member of the team that visited Van Vleck in Ceres during the hiring process on March 9. "When making the tough decisions that the future will surely present, we can count on him to hold our children's best interests as his compass. The teachers in Eureka are thrilled to welcome him into our educational family."
Van Vleck longed to return to his roots. He'll be joined by his wife, Kristine, and three children, Brody (11), Kylie (9) and Maddie (3).
"It's an area I grew up in," said Van Vleck, who was introduced as Eureka City Schools new superintendent during last Wednesday's board meeting. "My parents (Cynthia and Joel) and sister (Tammy) still live up here." Cynthia is a retired superintendent, while Tammy is a kindergarten teacher in a neighboring district.
"I'm very happy for Fred," Siegel added. "This is something he really wants."
Eureka City Schools serves 4,000 K-12 students.
Fabela is replacement
Ceres Unified Director of Personnel Services Steve Fabela has been tapped to replace Van Vleck, effective July 1.
"Steve has some big shoes to fill, and I am wholly confident in his abilities," Siegel said. "Over Steve's 15-year history with CUSD, he has proven himself to be a compassionate leader who brings a high level of efficiency and professionalism to every interaction. In his current capacity, he has become thoroughly familiar with the operational workings of the District. Fred and I, along with Director of Fiscal Services Robin Clayton, will work closely with Steve over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition."
Van Vleck, 39, was appointed new superintendent of Eureka City Schools last week.
The vote was unanimous. He'll start his new job on July 1.
"The opportunity came up for me to move back home," said Van Vleck, a native of Humboldt County. "I applied and was hired. Ceres truly prepared me to be a superintendent. It was a fantastic district to learn in. I've grown very close to so many people here. It's what I'll miss the most."
Van Vleck has worked for Ceres Unified for eight years. He joined the district in 2004 as the founding Principal of Central Valley High School. He filled that position for four years.
Van Vleck was director of curriculum and instruction for one year and assistant superintendent of business services for three years.
"It would have been nice to have Fred here his entire career," Ceres Unified Supt. Scott Siegel. "But I never believed that would happen. When you have good people, you're not going to have them forever. We were lucky. Fred's very thoughtful in his approach to things. He's very knowledgeable. He's very well-rounded. He'll be missed. I'm sure he'll do an outstanding job there."
Van Vleck interviewed with Eureka City Schools Board of Trustees on March 2.
"Dr. Van Vleck is an innovative leader and a proven team builder who honors all members of the educational community," stated David Dermant, Eureka City Schools Elementary Music Teacher and member of the team that visited Van Vleck in Ceres during the hiring process on March 9. "When making the tough decisions that the future will surely present, we can count on him to hold our children's best interests as his compass. The teachers in Eureka are thrilled to welcome him into our educational family."
Van Vleck longed to return to his roots. He'll be joined by his wife, Kristine, and three children, Brody (11), Kylie (9) and Maddie (3).
"It's an area I grew up in," said Van Vleck, who was introduced as Eureka City Schools new superintendent during last Wednesday's board meeting. "My parents (Cynthia and Joel) and sister (Tammy) still live up here." Cynthia is a retired superintendent, while Tammy is a kindergarten teacher in a neighboring district.
"I'm very happy for Fred," Siegel added. "This is something he really wants."
Eureka City Schools serves 4,000 K-12 students.
Fabela is replacement
Ceres Unified Director of Personnel Services Steve Fabela has been tapped to replace Van Vleck, effective July 1.
"Steve has some big shoes to fill, and I am wholly confident in his abilities," Siegel said. "Over Steve's 15-year history with CUSD, he has proven himself to be a compassionate leader who brings a high level of efficiency and professionalism to every interaction. In his current capacity, he has become thoroughly familiar with the operational workings of the District. Fred and I, along with Director of Fiscal Services Robin Clayton, will work closely with Steve over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition."
