Interim instructional dean joins the administration

On Nov. 14, Bob Rendon joined the administration as an interim instructional dean to temporarily step in for Instructional Dean Charles Tran. 

Rendon was a teacher for 11 years, and after spending 26 years working as a principal, he retired in 2019. Since then, he has gone to various schools, working as either a substitute principal, substitute vice principal or substitute dean.

“Schools are very unique places and all schools have similar needs. They all have kids that come with different learning abilities. They have teachers with different learning styles,” Rendon said. “As principal, I used to try to bring those all together so that the kids were learning as much as they [could] every day.”

As an interim instructional dean, Rendon looks over the Math, Physical Education and Special Education Department, helping teachers and ensuring that the campus runs smoothly. If teachers have questions about scheduling conflicts, need assistance with resources such as classroom materials or PE equipment or have students and parents that have questions about a program, they would come to Rendon. According to principal Dr. Lew, As a part of the administrative team, deans are also in charge of AP testing, graduation and other events on campus. Since starting the job, Rendon has worked with several special education teachers and instructional aides to ensure they are the best possible match for their class and students.

“Deans help support the department; they always come and check on us, see if we need anything, and see how our facilities are. For example, badminton nets; if we have a hole or something’s wrong with them, we would contact the dean, and the dean would help us out,” said PE teacher Angela McElroy. ”They are really there to support us as teachers, and then take [these matters] back to the administration team.”

During Rendon’s time in the education field, he has not only strengthened his passion to help students grow but also shared it with others. His son, Robby Rendon, is one of the psychologists at Walnut High School.

“I know I was very happy with the education that my kids received from Walnut High School; they’re all [working] in education now, and they wouldn’t be there without what the school did,” Rendon said.

Over the last couple of weeks, Rendon has attended several administrative team meetings and worked with many of the faculty members, hoping to help create a positive change on campus.

“Mr. Rendon has been tremendous here. There’s so much that goes into running a school, so having extra help and support, he’s been amazing,” said Lew. “He’s been really nice and understanding, and he’s the type of person where he just rolls his sleeves up and dives right in.”