Background Information, Dr. Ralph Porras, Superintendent

Dr. Ralph Gómez Porras accepted the position as new District Superintendent for the Pacific Grove Unified School District in May of 2007 and began work on July 1, 2007. Ralph came to us from Santa Cruz where he began his teaching career as a 6th grade bilingual teacher, and later a 7th and 8th grade math and science teacher. He has been Assistant Principal of a Junior High School, Principal of an Elementary School and a comprehensive High School, and most recently as the Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services with the Santa Cruz City Schools. He has served as an educator in that district for 16 consecutive years. He received his doctorate from the University of California at Santa Cruz in April of 2008.

Born and raised in Ontario, California, Ralph is the son of a farmer and a teacher. When he graduated from high school he entered UC Santa Cruz as a Pre-Med student, finished his studies and was accepted to medical school. It was at this point that he chose to change his career goal and pursue a teaching career.

Ralph and his wife Maureen, will be married 4 years on June 21st. Maureen is a Registered Nurse working at Dominican Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit and holds a special nursing certificate in wound and ostomy care. Joining this family is a rambunctious pet rabbit known as Fonzie, who as described by Ralph, is the King of the household.

Ralph and Maureen are avid cyclists, both road and mountain bikes. Ralph describes himself as an amateur triathlete, having competed in several local races. Maureen has completed two IronMan Triathlons, one in Austria and one in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho as well as several marathons – Big Sur and Dublin, Ireland. Both are SCUBA divers making the waters of Pacific Grove, Monterey and Carmel inviting and familiar.

Ralph has spent his professional career in public education serving with a passion for equity, high standards and powerful academic programs. He believes deeply in the democracy of public schools and the moral imperative to provide families equitable access to all levels of our educational system. Ralph believes that central services which support sites and families, supported by proper allocation of resources, timely decisions and the operation of clear communication channels, are valuable components to an effective school system. Open communication and the need to maintain positive relationships with teachers, administrators, students, parents and the school community are priorities. He looks forward to joining an excellent school staff, along with the rich traditions and cultures of Pacific Grove, and hopes to serve the community for many years to come.