Schools

Mick Wager Returning to Bronco Campus as Principal

Mick Wager, who currently serves as the principal of Warm Springs Middle School, will assume his new role at Vista Murrieta High School on July 1.

A new principal was named Friday for Vista Murrieta High School.

Mick Wager, who currently serves as principal at Warm Springs Middle School, has been selected as Darren Daniel's replacement, Murrieta Valley Unified School District Superintendent Pat Kelley announced Friday afternoon.

Wager will begin serving as Vista Murrieta's principal July 1, when Daniel assumes his new role as director of secondary education, according to a district news release.

Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Wager is not a stranger to the Bronco campus. Before he took over as principal at Warm Springs three years ago, he was the deputy principal at Vista Murrieta. He also served as an assistant principal at Murrieta Valley.

"The VMHS community expects and requires a leader who genuinely understands the outstanding traditions and achievements of Vista," said Kelley. "Mick Wager is that leader and he has the deep desire and passion to serve and lead the Bronco community. It is that passion that will build on Vista’s excellent reputation."

Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Wager has worked as an educator for 18 years. He holds a bachelor's degree from San Francisco State University, along with a master's degree in educational administration and an administrative credential from National University.

"I am humbled and honored to be given the opportunity to lead Vista Murrieta High School, one of the premier high schools in Southern California," Wager said. "As a former Bronco administrator and parent, I will feel like I’m coming home. I look forward to working with the fantastic students, staff, and parents of VMHS. I am confident that we will continue to build on the great successes that Vista Murrieta has already achieved and we will do so with CLASS. I will miss working with the Warm Springs parents, students and staff, but I look forward to continuing to build bridges between our two schools."

All Warm Springs and Vista Murrieta parents were expected to receive calls from the superintendent Friday regarding the announcements.

In light of Wager's new position, the district will need to select a new principal for Warm Springs. There are plans to conduct an "inclusive process for the selection," District Spokeswoman Karen Parris said.

"Parents, students, faculty and staff are invited to provide their input on the selection of the new principal by going to the school’s website and completing the Principal Selection Survey. Focus groups comprised of parents, faculty and staff will then analyze the results of the survey and provide direction for the selection," Parris said.

A replacement for Murrieta Valley Principal Renate Jefferson is also being sought. In March, Jefferson announced her retirement after leading the school for 13 years.

Questions can be directed to Karen Parris at 951-696-1600, ext. 1022.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here