In the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, BVH welcomed two new Assistant Principals, Amilcar Fernandez and Sarash Sanchez, who joined Principal Alex Salazar to have a new leadership team. Both administrators stepped into their new roles this year. Their arrival signals an important shift at BVH, as they introduce new perspectives and leadership approaches while continuing the traditions that define the Baron community.
“We are coming into an environment that has existed before us, so we have to be very respectful of the people and students here. I was looking [to hire] someone [who has a] level of sensitivity and empathy,” Salazar said.
Fernandez expresses that BVH has a strong reputation and has motivated him to join the Baron community. Fernandez emphasized that he is focused on building trust and understanding the campus culture as he steps into his new role.
“BVH is a great school with a lot of history. When they asked me if I would be interested in coming over, I said yes since I had already heard of the great things happening here,” Fernandez said. “I hope to get to know the students and staff and support everyone in what is needed. Building relationships and understanding the culture of the campus will be my main focus this year.”
Fernandez’s responsibilities include ensuring student and staff safety, supporting academics, overseeing attendance, and contributing to campus culture. He added that his main focus this year is building relationships and understanding BVH’s unique community.Fernandez highlighted that his leadership style is centered on collaboration and connection.
“My greatest strength is my ability to relate to people and build connections. I work hard to listen, understand, and collaborate so that everyone feels supported.” Fernandez said. “I hope they describe me as approachable, supportive, and dependable. Someone who listens and takes action when needed.”
Sanchez expresses her opinions and thoughts on how she was drawn to BVH because of its strong sense of pride and community. Sanchez further on explains how the school’s reputation inspired her to join and contribute to its program.
“I accepted the job at BVH because I knew people who had worked here, and they always spoke so highly of the school. From the beginning, I could tell BVH is a place where people are proud to be, and that made me want to be part of it,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez responsibilities include overseeing AP, IB, AVID and the Math department, along with helping manage other academic programs and student support services. Sanchez emphasized that her approach to leadership is rooted in personal values.
“I like to lead by focusing on my three core values: trust, integrity and being a learner,” Sanchez said. “Leadership is about building strong relationships and always being willing to grow alongside others.”
Beyond their specific responsibilities, both assistant principals shared what they hope their leadership will mean for students and staff. Fernandez emphasized the long-term impact he wishes to leave on the BVH community.
“I want to leave an impact of trust, collaboration, and student-centered leadership,” Fernandez said. “If students and staff can look back and say I made their time here more positive and successful, then I’ll feel I did my job well.”
Sanchez expressed how one of her main priorities is helping students recognize their strength while also supporting the teachers. Sanchez explained that by empowering both students and teachers, she hopes to create a more supportive and motivating school environment.
“My goal is to make sure students feel they belong and have a voice in their learning,” Sanchez said. “At the same time, I want teachers to feel supported so they can keep doing the amazing things they already do.”
As the semester continues, both Fernandez and Sanchez stressed that their success will come from listening and learning from those around them. They emphasized that staying open to feedback from students, teachers and staff is key to making informed decisions and fostering growth across the school.
“I think the most important thing is that we grow together,” Sanchez said. “This is not just about me stepping in as a leader, it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels like they are part of the success of BVH.”
