El Dorado’s long-standing principal, Venessa Betancourt, announced her parting from the campus last Friday at 8:15 a.m. during the faculty meeting.
Rumors circulated last Thursday about the principal’s leave from El Dorado High School. Nothing had been confirmed till the morning memo notified all faculty members of the meeting that would take place the following Friday. The meeting began by reviewing standard business and procedures for the week. As the meeting concluded, Betancourt broke the news to the staff that she would be accepting the position as the new HR Director at the district.
“Breaking the news to the staff has been extremely bitter sweet. El Dorado has been my second home since November of 2018 and I never thought when I became a part of this community that it would leave such a huge imprint on my heart,” Betancourt said. “So it’s not saying ‘see you later’ to a school, it’s saying ‘see you later’ to a family.”
Betancourt’s mission for the campus was to achieve success, be recognized as an AVID demonstration school and acquire an A-rated school status. She “bleeds cardinal red and gold” and hopes that the campus can continue making strides toward greatness.
“I wasn’t surprised because she’s really been everything that a principal should be and more, and I could see why the district would want her in their offices. However I felt really sad to see such a strong leader and someone who I consider a personal mentor to leave our campus,” Martinez said. “Mrs. Betancourt has been a fierce supporter of student journalism and really respects our program so she will be missed.”
The selection process for a new principal began Monday with a Principal Profile Meeting led by district officials with the first session pertaining to faculty and the second being open to parents and students. Mr. Norton will be serving as the acting interim principal while the search for a new principal continues.
“My goal is to make sure we are always safe and that the priority for the next principal will be to ensure our school continues to perform at high levels. The transition is bittersweet,” Norton said. “I’m excited to take on the position. My life has been dedicated to this school since I’ve been here in El Paso. It’s a big responsibility because I want to make sure I’m doing the best for students, teachers and all the staff we have here. I want to make sure I bring my best so you all can have the best.”
Norton remarked Betancourt has left an imprint on the school with her love and instruction. Aug. 29 marked Betancourt’s final day on campus, in which she gave closing words of affirmation to her students through the morning announcements.
“I want them to know that they are enough, and that the only barriers in life are the ones they put before them. They will make mistakes but it’s not the mistake that defines us but the lessons that we learn from them that will refine us and help us become better individuals. I wholeheartedly believe that I may leave the Empire for a moment but my Aztecs will rule the Empire one day,” Betancourt said. “And so, I will leave with my parting words. I want them to always know that in my heart, it’s true that everyone is important, they matter and that they are very much loved.”
Updates about the new principal may be discussed at the Sept. 17 district board meeting.
