Gina Terrazas/Courtesy photo
BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com
Barranca Mesa Elementary School Principal Gina Terrazas has accepted the newly-established Los Alamos Public Schools Pre-K Director position and will not be returning to Barranca for the 2021-2022 school year.
In an email to parents Saturday, Terrazas noted that the decision did not come easily and that as she writes to parents, she is reminded why she wanted to be a principal.
“Your children are the reason I chose this profession. They are the reason I love my job; the smiles, the laughter, tears and the joy I see in their faces when they accomplish the little and big things are that bring my heart joy,” she said.
Terrazas said the past seven years in the position have been wonderful, challenging and most of all memorable.
“When I walked into the building seven years ago, I did not know how long I would be here. Little did I know that I would fall in love with my staff, students and the Barranca community. I wouldn’t be completely honest if I said it was a piece of cake. I have to admit there were times I felt like running from the building screaming! All that aside, there was many more days when I thanked God for this amazing opportunity” she wrote. “Barranca has the most amazing staff, students and families and I am honored to have been a part of the team. I will miss the Barranca community dearly and I wish you well.”
Interim Supt. Jennifer Guy said Sunday evening that she is grateful that Terrazas is willing to being her talents and experience to her new position as the district expands the preschool program to all its elementary schools.
“This means that we will be hiring a new principal for Barranca Mesa Elementary School. I appreciate Mrs. Terrazas and her dedication and love for Barranca. We are committed to finding another outstanding principal for Barranca. Mrs. Terrazas will be still in the district to support the school through this transition. It is important to me that we make this a smooth transition for students, staff, and families. We will post the principal position today. We will form an interview committee over the next week and take applications. We will interview for this position in a few weeks and plan to hire before the school year starts,” Guy said. “Barranca Mesa Elementary School is my top priority as we work through this change and find a great leader.