The Board of Education of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District announced the appointment of Jessica Rishe as the new Principal of SMASH (Santa Monica Alternative School House) K-8 school.
Ms. Rishe attended The American University in Washington, D.C., including a year at the Sorbonne in Paris. She holds a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from UCLA and a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from California State University, Northridge.
Ms. Rishe is in her 12th year with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. She taught Kindergarten through 2nd grade at John Muir Elementary and at SMASH. Beginning in 2000, Ms. Rishe has been involved with the BTSA (Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment) program, currently serving as Coordinator of Teacher Support and BTSA in the Educational Services Department. Additionally, since 2006 she has worked part time as Assistant Principal at McKinley Elementary School.
SMMUSD Superintendent Dianne Talarico said, “Jessica has an excellent background in curriculum, professional development, and teacher training, and she wholeheartedly endorses the vision of SMASH.” The Board of Education approved the appointment on Thursday, May 15. Ms. Rishe will continue in her current capacity, but will collaborate with current principal Carrie Ferguson to provide for a smooth transition. She will begin the principalship on July 1, 2008.
