Pebble Hills High School officially welcomed a new principal, Ivan Ramirez, on Monday, Oct. 18, after weeks of interviews and an interim principal.

Ramirez stepped into his new role quickly, gathering staff to unite against infractions -like tardies, discuss his goals for campus, and introduce himself. 

“My main priority is always students, what is best for the kiddos,” Ramirez said. “We are here to educate. If we’re not in the classroom, we aren’t learning, so to me, that is the number one priority.”

Although many students have not had the opportunity to formally meet Ramirez, many are glad to have regained stability and are looking forward to this opportunity to reshape student culture. 

“It makes me feel safer as a student to have a stable principal,” senior Cassandra Gamboa said. “I’m looking forward to following more rules of the school.”

Ramirez looked forward to lead Pebble Hills after being on campus several times throughout intersession. The student dynamic and welcoming staff contributed to his decision to apply for the position after Dr. Ignacio Estorga was transferred to Socorro High School. 

“I love our motto, rise” Ramirez said. “It means a lot to me because we should all rise every year. The resiliency that we show and everything it stands for.”

Ramirez hopes to continue Pebble Hills’ legacy of being one of the best high schools in the city, creating a self-running program where he acts as a voice for students and teachers while meeting state requirements.

Ramirez noted he hopes the school will eventually become a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon campus.