Education in Patterson
Spotlight on Dr. Reyes Gauna, the new Superintendent of the Patterson Joint Unified School District
By Denise Elam
As the school year hummed to a start in the fall of 2022, the Patterson Joint Unified School District saw a new face at the helm.
Dr. Reyes Gauna, the newly appointed Superintendent, began his term on June 30, 2022. Gauna, a lifelong learner and servant leader, began his career in education as a custodian and campus safety monitor close to 30 years ago.
“During this time, I took a strong interest in teaching because I wanted to work with students and provide them with a great academic experience,” he said. “I had the opportunity to teach grades kindergarten through eighth, adult education, and continuation programs at the high school level.”
During his three decades in education, he has served as an elementary, middle, and high school counselor, a high school assistant principal, an elementary, middle and high school principal, an educational service director, assistant superintendent and superintendent of a K-8 school district.
“As a servant leader, my goal is to serve our students, staff, and community, ensuring support that will help our students succeed,” he explained. “As superintendent of the Patterson Joint Unified School District, I have the unique privilege to take part in an educational community that has so much to be proud of. I will spend time listening to learn, and will work collaboratively to support and enhance our existing programs. My educational journey and career continue to afford me the opportunity to help students, staff, and the community I serve.”
Gauna has several goals for his time as Superintendent, the first and foremost being to spend time listening to learn.
“I strongly believe that all stakeholders can contribute to the overall success of our students. I will continue to build on the many opportunities to meet and collaborate with Patterson staff and community members and I am thankful for the warm welcome I have received,” he said. “I will lead by example and always have an open door policy, inviting input and suggestions from students, staff, parents and community members.”
Other goals related to curriculum, instruction and school reform are:
• Meeting with assistant superintendent, educational services to develop a comprehensive professional development by semester terms. This will include getting familiar with the district’s assessment calendar.
• Familiarization with the cycle of inquiry conducted at each school.
• Familiarization with iReady diagnostics review.
• Review of academic data and development of baselines.
• Familiarization with the TQR process.
• Building relationships with local college officials for the purpose of better preparing students for future options.
• Reviewing attendance and discipline data, and developing baselines.
Gauna has outlined other specific goals and objectives in his entry plan, which can be read in full at www.patterson.k12.ca.us.
During the 2022-2023 school year, Gauna said he’s most looking forward to building relationships with students and staff and attending school assemblies, sporting events, programs and community events.
“Overall, I would like to be a present figure throughout our district; to be seen by our students and staff, and to be available to all stakeholders,” he said. “I look forward to building trust through collaborative relationships with all our stakeholders. Communication and investment in our school community are key to my approach to leadership. I will lend my expertise through the direction of our school board of trustees, community partners, staff and families, to cultivate a culture where our students continue to be our priority and provide opportunities to succeed.”
In addition to serving as superintendent, Gauna also serves at the collegiate level as an adjunct professor. Most recently, he traveled to Washington, D.C. where he and his students discussed and explored policy and law in education.
“I have a passion for helping guide future teachers and administrators as they venture into the profession of educating students,” he said.
When he’s not serving his students, staff and community, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 21 years and their three children.
“Family trips to Disneyland, Monterey Bay, and cruises are favorite activities for our family,” he added. “When I’m on my own, I have a love for music, reading scholarly articles, and doing yard work.”
For more information about the Patterson Joint Unified School District, visit www.patterson.k12.ca.us.
Local private and public schools in Patterson:
• Apricot Valley Elementary School
• Creekside Middle School
• Del Puerto High School
• Delta Charter Schools
• Grayson Elementary School
• Las Palmas Elementary School
• Northmead Elementary School
• Open Valley Independent School
• Patterson High School
• Walnut Grove Elementary School
• West Valley Learning Center (TK/PreK)
• Rising Sun Transition to Success
• Sacred Heart Catholic School
• Berean Christian School
