Clark Elementary principal to leave school she opened
Valerie Orihuela will become the director of administration, a liaison between area directors and parents.
By EVE LEBERSON
Published March 21, 2004
WEST MEADOWS - As a child, Valerie Orihuela dreamed of a career in education. She still recalls lining up her dolls and playing teacher.
She never envisioned a life outside the classroom. But after 30 years with Hillsborough County public schools, the Clark Elementary principal is leaving the school for a new job in the district's downtown headquarters.
County officials last month appointed Orihuela to serve as director of administration. The job makes her a liaison between area directors and parents. She also will head several education-related committees.
She replaces former Benito Middle School principal Barbara Hancock, who now works as the district's Area I director.
But Orihuela has yet to bid farewell to her Clark family. She continues to serve as principal. She monitored the FCAT testing, works on teacher evaluations, attends meetings and speaks with students and parents. "I'm still doing all the principal functions until they appoint a new one," she said.
Orihuela started her teaching career at a local Catholic school in 1972 before coming to the school district two years later. She's since held teaching positions at Grady, Riverhills and Temple Terrace elementaries, teaching all grade levels.
The school district appointed her principal of Orange Grove Elementary in 1991 and Carrollwood Elementary principal in 1994.
Orihuela opened Clark Elementary in 1998. "That was probably the highlight of my career," she said. "There's something about opening a school," she said. "You choose the mascot, the school colors . . . everything is fresh."
The commute between her Northdale home, downtown and Clark should end April 6 when the district assigns a new principal.
"The new person who comes to Clark will really enjoy it," she said. The school has "wonderful children, wonderful families and an outstanding staff."
