Castaic Union School District officials announces plans to start the school year off with an inspirational speech from author and speaker Tyler Durman as part of the district’s “welcome back” events.

The William S. Hart Union High School District and Spirit Holding, the developers of Castaic High School, are set to host the “One Year Countdown Celebration” event for the grand opening of Castaic High School.

When 2018 California State Teacher of the Year award winners aren’t grading papers, preparing assessments and assisting children, then you may find them throwing out the first pitch at a Dodger baseball game or on a tour abroad learning about culture and education.

“It’s a tradition for the Teacher of the Year Foundation to send the five Teacher of the Year winners to Japan,” said Erin Oxhorn-Gilpin, a teacher at Northlake Hills Elementary School. “The idea is to have cultural immersion, see other schools and be a representative of the California education system.”

Castaic Union School District celebrated the five employees who will retire prior to the beginning of next school year at Thursday’s district meeting of the governing board.

“Thank you for your dedication to the Castaic Union School District,” Superintendent Steve Doyle said to the outgoing employees in attendance.

Vivian Fiss will be the new principal at Northlake Hills Elementary School, succeeding former principal Erin Augusta.

Nicole Price will be Castaic Middle School’s new assistant principal, succeeding former assistant principal Brandy Nez.

Teachers, aides, campus supervisors and the other classified staff members at Northlake Hills Elementary School were treated to Sweet Beams Ice Cream Wednesday in honor of Castaic Union’s Staff Appreciation Celebration.

The award-winning Castaic Union School District (CUSD), is currently enrolling children for transitional kindergarten through eighth grade, as well as its preschool programs.

The Board of Trustees at Castaic Union School District Board unanimously approved the appointment of Allison West to become the new principal at Castaic Elementary School (CES).

“Our schools are equipped with 21st-century learning tools to prepare the leaders of tomorrow,” said Castaic Union School District Superintendent Steve Doyle. “Each school site has hard-working dedicated faculty and staff members that help our students reach his or her full potential in a safe and nurturing environment.”

A series have appointments and the school district’s move to trustee areas and a November election aligned terms so that four seats will be on the ballot — including one for a two-year term — and one incumbent has already made her intentions not to seek re-election known.