Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees appointed three top administrative positions during the June 21 meeting.

Susan Ibarra has been named the new Director of Fiscal Services. Ibarra brings 19 years of experience in public school accounting and finance to her new position. For the past two years, Ibarra served as assistant superintendent of business services in the Lennox School District. Prior to that, she was director of fiscal services, accounting supervisor, and account clerk in the Baldwin Park USD since 2004. She holds a master’s degree from CSU, Northridge and bachelor’s degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Ibarra will officially begin duties on July 1, and will be working with Director Celia Moynihan, who will be retiring in December.

Veteran educator David Hong has been approved as the new Principal at Diamond Bar High School. Hong brings 33 years of experience back to DBHS, where he has served as assistant principal, instructional dean and science teacher. He also advised and coached the school’s Science Club, Science Bowl, Solar Boat and golf teams. Hong spent the past four years working for the College Board Director of Environmental Science. He also served as assistant principal at Monrovia High School. During his tenure at DBHS, he was recognized in a variety of ways including being named Teacher of the Year and receiving the Outstanding Educator Award from the University of Chicago, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Barbara. Hong received his bachelor’s degree from California State Polytechnic University and master’s degree from CSU, Los Angeles. Hong succeeds Reuben Jones who has accepted the position of Director of Student Support Services in the Monrovia USD.

Jennifer Veneracion was appointed the new Principal at Cyrus J. Morris Elementary School. She served for 17 years as the school’s Title 1 Specialist and teacher. In addition, she coordinated the Walnut Valley USD Summer School Program. Last year, she was the assistant principal at Terra Vista Elementary in the Etiwanda School District. Veneracion holds a master’s degree from National University and bachelor’s degree from California Polytechnic University, Pomona. Veneracion succeeds Kelly Morris who has relocated to Georgia to be with family.

Claire Cordell joined ACSA as its Chief Financial Officer in June. In this role, Cordell serves as a member of cabinet, working closely with ACSA leadership and the Board of Directors, and holding overall responsibility for Financial Services and Information Technology. Cordell brings with her more than 20 years of experience in Finance and Accounting, including 15 years as a C-suite leader. She most recently held the position of Chief Administrative Officer with a Fortune-100 facility management company, having honed her expertise over various industries. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at Texas A&M, and went on to earn two Master’s Degrees: an MS in Tax, and an MBA. Cordell is already committed to ACSA’s mission, vision and values, possessing a long-time connection to education, and personal experience advocating for underserved students.