Administration
Dr. James Jenkins, principal
Dr. James Jenkins brings a wealth of experience as an educator, administrator, and United States Navy veteran. He has served in multiple leadership roles, most recently as assistant director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for the Conejo Valley Unified School District, where he advanced districtwide initiatives that support equity and belonging. Before that, Dr. Jenkins was the principal of Las Colinas Middle School, an assistant principal at Simi Valley High School, and dean of students at Sinaloa Middle School, as well as a special education teacher and coach across elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Dr. Jenkins holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, and an administrative services credential from California Lutheran University. He also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Grand Canyon University, along with an Education Specialist teaching credential and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from CSU Channel Islands.
Outside of his professional work, Dr. Jenkins is known for his unique passions. He is an avid sneakerhead with an impressive collection, and despite his time on the football field, he also broke barriers by serving as a cheerleader in high school. These experiences reflect his belief in teamwork, spirit, and inclusivity, qualities he now brings to the Isbell Middle School community.
darren hicks, Assistant principal
Welcome Condor Family.
I am Darren Hicks and I'm glad to be back at Isbell Middle as Assistant Principal. I was at Santa Paula High School for the past five years as a Physical Education teacher and coach. I learned a tremendous amount from my time spent there and look forward to helping build a bridge between the High School and Middle School.
I look forward to the new challenge we face and if there is anything I can do for you this school year, please let me know.
I look forward to meeting you and working with you this upcoming school year.
GO CONDORS
- Darren Hicks
Olivia ramirez, TOSA
Welcome Condor Family.
My name is Olivia Ramirez, and I’m proud to be part of the team here at Isbell Middle School. I have 23 years of experience in the district and have taught kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 5th grade. Most recently, I served as an intervention teacher at Glen City School.
I was born and raised right here in Santa Paula, and I’m excited to continue supporting students in our community. I look forward to working with our middle schoolers as they prepare for high school and become college and career ready.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to support you and your child every step of the way.
Siempre estamos aquí para servirlos.