New Principal Selected for Murrieta Valley High School

An assistant principal from Tustin High School has been selected to replace Murrieta Valley High School Principal Renate Jefferson, who is retiring.

Eric J. Mooney will his assume the post when Jefferson retires at the end of the current school year, according to a news release from the Murrieta Valley Unified School District.

“It is difficult to express in words the excitement I am feeling as the new principal of Murrieta Valley High School," Mooney stated in the news release. "It is a tremendous honor and privilege to get this opportunity to work alongside such a wonderful faculty, staff, students, and parents that make up the Murrieta Valley community.”

Mooney's qualifications include credentials in teaching and administrative service. In addition to serving at Tustin High as assistant principal for the past four years, he has 12 years of experience teaching social science and special education.

He earned a bachelor's degree from Thomas Edison State College in New Jersey, a master’s degree in education administration from Argosy University, and is currently a doctoral candidate in educational administration at Argosy University.

In 2011 and 2012, Mooney was recognized by the Tustin Unified School District as Secondary Co-Administrator of the Year. He was also recognized by the Orange County Department of Education in 2011 for Developing the 21st Century Principal.

As a school administrator, Mooney has been instrumental in promoting academic growth and achievement at Tustin High School. He has extensive experience with the AVID program, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, STEM, and he has coached football, basketball, track and cross-country.

Superintendent Pat Kelley made the announcement to campus faculty and staff when he met with them Friday, and a parent notification call was expected to go out to all Murrieta Valley High School parents this afternoon.

“The MVHS community expects and requires a leader who genuinely understands the outstanding traditions and achievements of Murrieta Valley," Kelley stated. "I am confident that Eric Mooney will use his experience, leadership and collaboration skills to build on the excellent educational and co-curricular programs at Murrieta Valley High School.”

School faculty and staff will have an opportunity to meet their new principal on May 22. Mooney's appointment will be officially approved at 5 p.m. on May 23 during a school board meeting.

Mooney was selected through an inclusive process, according to District Spokeswoman Karen Parris. Parents, students, faculty and staff were invited to provide their input by taking a survey. A focus group comprised of parents, faculty and staff then analyzed the results of the survey and provided their input.

"We surveyed everyone on what they felt the most important qualities for the new principal were and we are confident that Mr. Mooney has all those qualities," Parris said.

"Pat told the staff he is confident that Eric appreciates the outstanding traditions and achievements established at MVHS and he will use his experience, leadership and collaboration skills to build on the Nighthawk tradition of excellence."