By Karrie Meyers — Denver, Colorado … Following an invitation by the RMC Administrative Committee, Paul Negrete accepted the position of associate superintendent of RMC education at the end of January and will begin his position on July 1.

“God has blessed Paul with many gifts that will, in turn, bless the schools and communities in our conference,” Diane Harris, RMC superintendent of education said. “His passion for Adventist education is contagious. His K-12 experience not only compliments the strengths already found in the department but will also serve as a valuable asset as we develop ways to better serve our schools.”

Negrete brings a track record of education successes that span 24 years. He began his career teaching at East Valley Adventist School in Baldwin Park, California, where he taught at the fifth through eighth-grade level for six years, later becoming the teaching principal. Following East Valley Academy, he transferred to San Gabriel Academy in Southern California where he occupied multiple roles, including head principal, a position he has held for the past 11 years.

He now joins RMC with a proven track record of meeting high expectations and a keen understanding of the importance of meaningful communication between teachers, parents and the community.

During his time at San Gabriel Academy, he oversaw the implementation of changes at a systemic level, a transition that happened six years prior to the North American Division initiative for the same changes.

Negrete credits this experience as giving him a unique understanding of how to transition and implement such changes within a large system. “I am grateful God has had a place for me in Adventist Education,” Negrete said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity of working with superintendent Harris, who not only has a deep love and understanding for RMC education, but also a vision for where it can go.”

“Our work as educators is to continue to better understand His [God’s] plan for education and His ideal for the world we live in. My hope is to help bring many young people to Christ through the ministry of education so that they, in turn, can contribute to the preaching of the Gospel and be ready for Christ’s soon return,” Negrete added.

Negrete earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science and a master’s degree in education administration and leadership from La Sierra University. He and his wife, Cindy, who supports and partners with him in the ministry of education, have two daughters, Natalie and Giselle. Natalie is completing her third year at La Sierra University, and Giselle is a high school sophomore.

–Karrie Meyers is communication assistant at Mile High Academy; photo supplied