In late February,  principal Bobbi Powers announced that she will be stepping down from her role as principal at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. Powers has been at Buena for nine years, six of those years spent serving as principal. 

“I decided to step down as principal because I was ready for a new challenge professionally,” Powers said.

Powers plans on taking her expertise and leadership skills to Mound Elementary school and will fill the position of principal there as well. 

“I began my career in education as an elementary school teacher, so it will be nice to get back to the elementary level,” Powers said.

Buena staff and students who work closely with Powers were surprised when hearing the news about her transferring schools. 

“My reaction was bittersweet. As sad as I am to see our beloved principal leave Buena, I am also happy for her as she goes on to the next challenge in her professional career,” assistant principal Frank Davis said.

Powers is known for her support of staff and faculty. “I’ve learned many life lessons from her over the years that are woven into her leadership style,” English teacher Kelly Herrera said. “She will be missed.”

Powers has “transformed Buena High and its culture in a positive way,” Davis said. For example, she has played an instrumental role in the physical changes made to the campus, is responsible for the re-staffing of one-third of Buena’s faculty and staff due to retirements, and has also been supportive of academics and sports programs.

“Many retirements have come through which gave me the opportunity to pick the staff members that would best meet the culture of collaboration,” Powers said. 

Filling vacant positions is just one of the notable challenges Powers faced during her time as principal. Another notable effort during her tenure as principal are the improvements made to Buena’s campus; She spearheaded the intuitive for the Bulldog Nation mural over the quad,  and added additional umbrellas and seating all around campus. 

“Buena will always have a part of my heart, and I’ll continually cheer for Buena’s success in all areas: academics, cultural, and athletics,” Powers said.

Some of Powers’ favorite memories are during the renaissance rallies and sporting events when all of Buena could come together and laugh. 

“I have always loved watching and participating in the Renaissance rallies.  Hearing the laughter and cheering from the students is the best,” Powers said.  “The sporting events are another favorite of mine, especially when Buena wins because it involves cheering and laughter as well.”

Powers has great expectations for our next principal. She reshaped Bulldog Nation for the better, making it the “best high school in the district,” said Powers.

VUSD has not yet selected the next principal as the district is still accepting applications and conducting interviews. “We would hope to know who will be in that position by the end of March,” Davis said.