The Oxnard Union High School District announced Cam High’s new principal and administration for the 2020-2021 school year on May 15, 2019.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rocky Valles contacted Cam High’s staff through email on May 16 to share the news that the Board of Trustees had appointed Mr. Matthew La Belle to the position of principal.

La Belle attended the University of San Diego where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, and he later received a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Fort Hays State University before entering into the field of teaching.

“I taught social science and physical education in the past. I’ve also been an athletic director as well as a coach of football, baseball, and girls soccer. I’ve been an assistant principal at Burbank High School for two years, and most recently Moorpark High School for three years,” said La Belle.

“He seems to have a very clear focus on two different things that makes education more powerful,” said English teacher and The Stinger’s adviser Mr. Mark Storer, who participated in recommending a nominee for the position. “One is a clear focus in student learning, and second, he’s a very collaborative worker and is a teacher himself, so he’s got a lot of experience working directly with kids.”

“We’re in a kind of time of change right now so I’m hoping with his extensive teaching experience in the classroom that La Belle will be able to bring that into our school, and help teachers improve their craft and their practice. He seems to have a very positive reputation among educators — I was able to investigate and find that out from several sources — and people think very nicely of him,” said Cam High’s Librarian Ms. Heidi Resnik.

La Belle believes that students should be the top priority of the school, and that the school must do its best to nurture and develop the young minds of the students academically and socially. La Belle also believes in the importance of students ability to adapt, set goals, make good choices, and contribute.

“The first thing I want to do is get to know everybody, and get to know how things go on at Cam High. I’m a big people person. I like seeing kids, I like seeing the faculty, and I like building relationships. I’m just gonna be here to watch and learn and hopefully grow into Cam High’s culture,” said La Belle.

La Belle will be administrating Cam High in the beginning 2019-2020 school year along with current Associate Principal Mrs. Karen Chadwick, and two new Associate Principals, Mr. James Harlow, and Ms. Clara Ortiz.

La Belle’s first day as the new principal of Cam High will be on July 1, 2019.