SLV Middle School promotes Calden to principal

San Lorenzo Valley Middle School has a new principal — a leader who knows the ins and outs of the district well.
The middle school promoted Assistant Principal Jeff Calden into the top spot after former Principal Chris Schiermeyer returned to Southern California after one year on the job.
Schiermeyer left the school after the 2008-09 school year due to personal reasons, Julie Haff, superintendent of SLV Unified School District, said. “He was sad to leave. He was very happy at the school.”
Calden is a 1986 San Lorenzo Valley High School graduate who has worked in the district as a teacher and administrator since 1999.
He has a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and completed an administrative credential and his master’s degree in education from San Jose State University in 2006.
Calden is also a longtime Cougars football coach — he has served on Doug Morris’ staff since 1992.
“He grew up in the valley and knows the school district and its history,” Haff said.
Calden served as a language arts and humanities teacher at the high school from 1999 to 2004 before becoming the dean of students at San Lorenzo Valley Junior High School. He became assistant principal in 2006.
Haff said Calden understands discipline and staff development and has an intimate understanding of the district’s financial position, which is helpful in the challenging financial climate facing schools statewide.
Calden lives with his wife, Shannon, and their three children in Ben Lomond.
“I think he truly loves the school district,” Haff said. “It’s something he’s really excited about.”