Patterson names new superintendent to start in July, replacing retiring Alfano
The Patterson school board unanimously confirmed a new superintendent Monday evening.
Reyes Gauna is superintendent of Byron Union School District in Contra Costa County. In July, he will move from overseeing a district of close to 2,200 students to more than 6,000 students in Patterson Joint Unified School District.
Gauna replaces Superintendent Phil Alfano, who will retire after working in the district since 2008.
“Really hard shoes to fill, but I’m up to the challenge,” Gauna said after being confirmed during a school board meeting.
He has worked in education for over 30 years, he said. He has been superintendent of Byron Union since 2019 and before that was assistant superintendent for Stockton Unified School District, according to a biography posted to the Byron Union website.
He taught multiple grade levels in addition to working as a school counselor and coordinator, according to the biography. He began his work in education as a custodian and campus monitor.
Gauna holds a doctorate in educational leadership and curriculum from Concordia University Irvine, according to the biography.
His superintendent contract in Patterson runs through June 2025. He will serve as deputy superintendent effective Monday through June 30, working with Alfano to prepare for the leadership transition.
In the meeting Monday, Gauna said he looks forward to listening to learn from district staff. To students, he said “I care about you already and I don’t even know you.”
After addressing the district community members in English, he repeated his speech in Spanish.
“Thank you for welcoming me,” Gauna said. “It’s an honor.”
This story was originally published April 5, 2022 at 8:37 AM.
