New superintendent for SoCAL ROC
by Garth Meyer
The Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SoCAL ROC) has a new superintendent after a unanimous vote of its board May 8.
Dr. Julian Rodriguez brings a 21-year career in public education, including time as a classroom teacher, site administrator and district office administrator.
In the past year, he has worked as an adjunct professor and curriculum writer for the Riverside Office of Education’s Career and Technical (CTE) Education Teacher Credentialing Program.
SoCAL ROC’s campus in Torrance serves six greater South Bay School Districts with career and technical education.
Rodriguez also has a further background in the field.
“After high school, I enrolled in a Health Services program at my local adult school, choosing a path that would provide me with skills and training I could apply immediately,” he said in a statement. “After ten years in a high-skill, high-wage behavioral health career, I was financially and personally prepared to return to college and complete my undergraduate degree and teacher credentialing without incurring debt.”
Rodriguez spent nine years at the Chino Valley School District, 2014-21, first as coordinator, then director of assessment and instructional technology, then director of secondary curriculum and instruction.
“Based on Dr. Rodriguez’s unique and extensive preparation and accomplishments, it was clear to the board that he is the perfect person to lead SoCal ROC into the future,” said Rolf Strutzenberg, board president. “… I have no doubt that Dr. Rodriguez will be embraced by students, employees, parents, and the member districts that comprise SoCal ROC.”
Rodriguez will start July 1. Current Superintendent Dr. Atlas Heraire will stay on as assistant superintendent.
“My dedication and passion for this work is very personal and I’m thrilled to join SoCal ROC to continue and expand vital services to the students and districts we serve,” Rodriguez said. ER