The Gilroy Unified School District Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of two new administrators at the April 20 regular board meeting: Jean Wells-Southland as the new Director of Educational Services, Elementary; and Jennifer Spinetti as the new Assistant Principal at Gilroy High School.  Both Jean and Jennifer will begin their new roles with the District on July 1, 2023.

"We are so excited to welcome Jean to the District Office and to my Cabinet," shared Superintendent Deborah A. Flores.  "She is a well-respected administrator in our District and brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her new role.  She  will make an immediate impact in our Ed Services Department which will significantly benefit our staff and students."

Jean has been a school educator for almost 30 years, serving as a curriculum developer, teacher, coach, and principal.   She has experience in both elementary and secondary education. 

Jean has been working in GUSD since 2015,  first as a Literacy Facilitator at Rucker Elementary School, and then as Rucker’s principal beginning in 2018.  She has been deeply involved in supporting District initiatives such as SEAL and GLAD, and has worked closely with her colleagues and District leadership on the shift to distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Her focus then shifted to the immediate literacy needs of students upon the return to in-person learning.   She holds a strong belief in creating equitable and culturally-responsive learning environments that support the achievement of all students.

Jean received a M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Scranton.  She has an undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, East Bay.  She holds a multiple subject credential, and an administrative services credential.

Jean has lived in Morgan Hill for 27 years and enjoys spending time with her family, and traveling and hiking on local trails.

"I am pleased to welcome Jennifer to the admin team at Gilroy High School." shared Superintendent Deborah A. Flores.  "She is an integral part of the Mustang team, and will be excellent in her new leadership role."

Jennifer has been a teacher at GIlroy High School since 1999, and has taught science, sports medicine and physical education. Currently, she is the Coordinator of Specialized Programs at GIlroy High School overseeing the Advanced Placement (AP) program, the Biomedical Science Academy (BSA), Dual Immersion (DI) and the Agriculture/FFA Program. Jennifer is an integral member of the GHS leadership team serving as science department chair, in addition to serving on school site council and as a union site representative.  Jennifer served as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Mustangs for 19 years.

Jennifer earned her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from the University of Southern California. She earned her teaching credential from San Jose State University and Master’s of Science from National University. She was the 2016 GUSD Teacher of the Year and one of five finalists to represent Santa Clara County for the California Teacher of the Year award that same year.  In her spare time, she enjoys cheering for USC Football (Go Trojans!) and camping with her two dogs.  FIGHT ON!