NAPA, CA    A lengthy and extensive search process with unique challenges came to a close Friday as Justin-Siena President and CEO made an important announcement to stakeholders. “I am pleased to inform you that Mr. John Bordelon will serve as the next Principal of Justin-Siena beginning June 15, 2015.” Some may recall last December the school announced the hiring of Mr. Herman Shum as the next Principal. It was just days later that Mr. Shum was tragically killed in a cycling accident in Contra Costa County. After the start of 2015, the school’s search committee reconvened and reengaged the search process. The school was pleased with a healthy applicant pool and is thrilled to be making this announcement.

No stranger to Catholic education in the Lasallian tradition, Mr. Bordelon currently serves as the Vice President of Christian Brothers High School, a Lasallian school in Memphis, Tennessee.  Prior to that, Mr. Bordelon served the same school as Associate Principal as well as Director of Admission and Enrollment.  He is a well-prepared administrator who comes to school leadership first and foremost as a teacher.  Even as Vice President at CBHS, Mr. Bordelon continues teaching Advanced Placement U.S. History while he oversees enrollment and marketing activities and works to engage the larger community in support of the school.  As Associate Principal, Mr. Bordelon chaired the Academic Council and was responsible for leading a team of educators in the development of a new and formalized evaluation and coaching initiative for teachers based on growth and support.  He is well versed in assessment strategies and the use of data to guide instruction.  He understands the diversity of learners in front of educators today.  

Mr. Bordelon is excited to lead Justin-Siena to new heights. His educational philosophy is inline with Justin-Siena’s vision and future plans. He says, “pursuit of traditional achievement is a given, but documented growth is the true definition of excellence. A growth-focused culture is a meritocracy of boundless possibility that celebrates effort over talent. It maintains the highest of standards while individualizing the student experience – finding just the right tension to stretch capacity.”  

Given the diverse nature of the student population Justin-Siena serves, Mr. Bordelon’s vast experience will serve his administration well. While he designed a summer leadership program for gifted junior high students centered on interdisciplinary and inquiry-based learning projects, he also helped create an academic support and accountability system for students who struggle.  Prior to his time at CBHS, Mr. Bordelon worked as a teacher at the Grizzlies Academy, a Memphis City School in partnership with the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation, serving low-income students at least two years behind in a three-year high school program. Mr. Bordelon was also a collegiate athlete and coach in a Division 3 football program.  

As a school with a deep sense of mission, Justin-Siena welcomes Mr. Bordelon’s commitment to Catholic education. “I am a practicing Catholic whose encounter with the De La Salle Christian Brothers has helped me discover a spirituality that guides my ministry in education.  I find Catholic education and the Lasallian tradition, specifically, a compelling vocation. It is an honor to serve an institution committed to such a deep, meaningful mission with a compelling vision for its growth. Justin-Siena is truly a special community of wonderful people."

An exemplary lifelong learner and, as such, a model for the students entrusted to his care, Mr. Bordelon holds a B.A. in History from Rhodes College, both an M.A. in Teaching and an M.S. in Educational Leadership from Christian Brothers University, and will graduate this spring with an M.Ed. in Private School Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York.  His commitment to lifelong learning and development makes staying current on educational research and initiatives a priority.

Mr. Bordelon enthusiastically shares his upcoming journey to the Napa Valley with his wife, Lauren, and their two young children.  "Lauren and I cannot think of a better place in which to raise a family, and we look forward to investing deeply in our new hometown."

President Jordan expressed his gratitude to the many people involved in the search process.  They included parents, alumni, students, and faculty, who participated in our surveys early on in the process, as well as our stakeholder groups who offered their insights and opinions.  These groups included students, faculty, administrators, program directors, parents, and alumni.  Special acknowledgement went to the Search Committee chaired by Mr. Jonathan Dyer (Social Studies).  The committee included Ms. Laura Kelly-Weakley (English); Ms. Allyson Wood (Multi-Discipline); Mr. Brandon LaRocco ’98 (Mathematics and Coach); Ms. Alicia Valdivia (Director of Admissions); Ms. Veronica Favela (Current Parent); and Ms. Mel Preimsberger (Board of Trustees).  

In a spirit of hope with the anticipation of the Risen Lord at Easter, President Jordan shared, “I look forward to partnering with Mr. Bordelon in this important and sacred work and to hearing his ideas and supporting his efforts. I feel confident in his ability to lead us as a learning and faith community.  I appreciate his enthusiasm for this opportunity to serve, and I have no doubt that it will translate into a commitment in making Justin-Siena an even better school and experience for those entrusted to our care.”