May 14, 2018
Dear Bishop Montgomery Community,
The Department of Catholic Schools is excited to announce that following a comprehensive search process, Dr. James Garza has been appointed as the next principal of Bishop Montgomery High School beginning July 1, 2018. Dr. Garza is a lifelong, devoted Catholic who brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership in the public school sector. He is truly excited to be making the transition to Catholic schools where the faith and values he espouses can be expressed and nurtured in students, faculty, staff, and parents alike in a loving faith-filled community such as Bishop Montgomery.
Dr. Garza currently serves as the Director of Secondary Education for the Conejo Valley Unified School District, though he is quite familiar with the South Bay, being a long-time resident of El Segundo. Jim has extensive experience in school administration, having served as an administrator for the past 21 years, 18 of which have been with the El Segundo Unified School District where he served as principal from 2005 to 2013. During Dr. Garza's tenure at El Segundo High School, enrollment nearly doubled, and the school was recognized as a three time "California Distinguished School," a first for the school. He also designed and implemented the Career Pathways for both engineering and biomedical sciences.
Dr. Garza earned a B.A. in History from Loyola Marymount University, a Master of Education with an emphasis in Counseling, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, he holds a Single Subject Credential, a Multiple Subject Credential, a Pupil Personnel Services Credential, a Language Development Specialist Certificate, and an Administrative Services Credential.
Though no one will ever be able truly to replace Rosemary Libbon as she retires, we feel extremely confident that Jim Garza has the passion, experience, energy, and love for kids that will help lead the school forward and write the next chapter for the special community that is Bishop Montgomery High School.
Please join us in welcoming and supporting Dr. Garza. And please keep him and the entire Bishop Montgomery community in your prayers during the transition.
God Bless,
Kevin Baxter, Ed.D. Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Dan O'Connell, Ed.D. Deputy Superintendent of High Schools