Introducing Sun Valley's New Principal, Kristin Hancock!

Introducing Sun Valley's New Principal, Kristin Hancock!

Dear Sun Valley School Community,

I am pleased to announce that at their meeting last evening, the San Rafael City Schools Board of Education approved Kristin Hancock as the new Sun Valley Elementary School Principal! 

During the selection process, Ms. Hancock rose to the top as an impressive and dedicated educator with proven experience in creating school environments that support high achievement and the development of the whole child. As a current Sun Valley administrative team member, she will step into this new role uniquely positioned to capitalize on the school’s strengths and seamlessly carry forward the work to help the school grow. 

Ms. Hancock leads with the belief that every student is fully capable of high levels of achievement and that their voice and choice should guide their path toward that achievement. She works diligently to foster a culture of refinement and excellence in partnership with teachers and staff, collaborating to ensure the entire learning community thrives. Ms. Hancock is known as a true advocate for all students.

I would like to share some of her own words about why she’s looking forward to this opportunity:


Prior to serving as Sun Valley’s assistant principal, Ms. Hancock was an instructional coach at Glenwood Elementary School. She has 17 years of classroom teacher experience, the bulk of which were in the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District where she held multiple leadership roles and cultivated her exceptional instructional skills. She has participated in and led numerous professional development trainings throughout her career. Ms. Hancock earned a Master's degree in education from Dominican University and a Bachelor's degree from the University of San Diego. 

As part of the hiring process, Ms. Hancock interviewed with an advisory panel representing teachers, staff and parents. 

"I am so pleased that Kristin will be our new principal," said panelist Meghan Greenwood, Sun Valley's School Counselor. "She brings deep instructional knowledge, abundant enthusiasm and a great sense of humor. Working with her this year has been a joy - we have partnered on the climate/culture committee and on the equity committee. I know that Sun Valley will continue to be an outstanding school with her at the helm."

Ariel Gutierrez, the current Sun Valley PTO President, was also a panelist and shared, "I am thrilled Kristin Hancock was appointed as our new principal! Chosen after a rigorous selection process, Ms. Hancock stood out for her passion for education, her wealth of instructional knowledge and a strong commitment to student success both in the classroom and beyond. I am confident she will lead with integrity, compassion and innovation. I extend a heartfelt congratulations to her and look forward to our partnership in her new role.”

Ms. Hancock officially assumes the role of Sun Valley principal on July 1, 2024 and has the unique opportunity to continue working directly with Principal Kim Evans through the transition. 

Ms. Hancock’s deep instructional knowledge, combined with her collaboration skills with teachers, create highly-engaging, rigorous educational experiences that improve student outcomes. She inspires people with both big-picture vision as well as real-time data to inform and drive towards goals. She recognizes that she herself is a vulnerable learner and holds herself to high expectations with a commitment to growth, approaches that will continue to help her drive for excellence as Sun Valley’s principal. Additionally, Ms. Hancock demonstrates strong skills in organization and is very capable of balancing the operational needs of a dynamic school environment. 


I strongly believe that Ms. Hancock is the ideal leader for Sun Valley; she possesses the passion, skills and qualities to further enrich the school community and ensure academic excellence in partnership with teachers, staff and families. Please join me in congratulating her!   

Sincerely,

Carmen Diaz Ghysels
Superintendent 
 

San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way San Rafael, CA 94903