On July 31, shock spread amongst Bonita Vista High (BVH) students as Assistant Principal (AP) Jason Josafat officially declared his resignation. Through the daily morning announcements, Josafat shared his new position at Bayfront Charter High (BCH). As of Aug 4. Josafast will become BCH’s new principal.
“I feel grateful for the opportunity to be a principal. I have been an AP for quite some time now and am looking forward to supporting and instilling a vision into a school community,” Josafat said.
Prior to becoming an AP, Josafat was an English 9 and English Language Development teacher at BVH. Josafat’s previous positions allowed him to develop the skills to foster a community and culture on campus. Such skills furthered Josafat’s goal made in the beginning of his career to become a principal and lead students to success.
“I’ve been trying to be a principal and I’ve applied at different schools, different districts and fortunately, one of them was BCH,” Josafat said.
On July 26, Josafat was informed of his new principal position. Not long after, he released an email to BVH staff members on his departure. BVH Principal Lee Romero was one of the many staff members that cherished a strong friendship with Josafat.
“We had this [strong] bond, because I’ve known him forever,” Romero said. “I was one of [the people who] encouraged [him to be Principal] because all my APs [advance to the next step], I always encouraged [AP’s]to become principals one day and that’s the goal, you [have] as an AP.”
Moreover, Romero and Josafat have shared past work experience together outside of BVH as they worked for the Sweetwater Union High School District 20 years ago and have shared a strong friendship since. Romero expresses his positive reaction towards Josafat’s new position.
“I’m very proud of him. He’s gone through a lot in his career and in his personal life. I’ve known him forever and I consider him my friend. I’m going to miss him,” Romero said.
Furthermore, during his time at BVH, Josafat worked well with staff members including International Baccalaureate coordinator Jared Phelps. Phelps shares the mixture of emotions he has felt due to Josafat’s upcoming departure.
“When you work with great people, you have mixed feelings. When you find that [Josafat is taking the position at BCH], you’re like, ‘I want great things for him, but I’d like him to be here’,” Phelps said.
As Phelps expresses his thoughts on Josafat’s new position he further describes his view on the various staff members who have also departed from BVH in the past year.
“When people come here to [BVH], they learn a lot and they grow. Because of that, they are positioned to go on and do whatever they’d like. Whether that place is a promotion or a change,” Phelps said.
Overall, the BVH staff proudly supports the many faculty members who take the next step forward in their careers. Josafat further mentions the experiences and strong community held at BVH.
“BVH has helped me tremendously. The staff, teachers, students and administration have helped me get to this position,” Josafat said. “The BVH staff [and] teachers work hard for our students and for each other. I think so highly of the BVH community and their work.”
BVH has allowed many staff and students to build their skills and find new opportunities to further their success. The spirit is high and holds a ‘testament to the community and building of the community.’ Josafat shares his remaining thoughts towards his departure.
“I don’t think [BVH spirit] will change because BVH [has] been here longer than any of us. But it’s awesome to see that traditions are rising,” Josafat said. “Change is inevitable. It is a part of the growth process. People leave, but BVH always is here. If you look at it that way, this school is a breeding ground for success.”
