Paramount Unified School District Welcomes Two New Administrators
Paramount, Ca., June 17, 2024 -- At the June 11 Board Meeting, the Paramount Unified School District Governing Board unanimously voted in favor of the appointment of two new administrators: Dr. Karina Gerger, who will serve as the Director of Personnel and Dr. Joseph Archival, new Assistant Principal for Odyssey STEM Academy.
Dr. Karina Gerger began her career 25 years ago as an English Learner Teacher in Riverside at the elementary level. She later transitioned to the Manhattan Beach Unified School District where she was a 5th grade teacher, ELD Coordinator, Technology Teacher on Special Assignment and Induction Mentor. She then served as a middle school and high school assistant principal, Elementary Principal and most recently high school principal. Dr. Gerger brings extensive instructional knowledge at all levels, a strong commitment to equity and experience in negotiations and master scheduling to the Personnel Division. She is also bilingual in Spanish. Dr. Gerger holds a bachelor's degree in liberal studies from UC Riverside, a master's degree in education from Grand Canyon University and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Cal State Long Beach. Dr. Gerger shared, “I am honored to join the Paramount Unified School District and look forward to working alongside the entire school community, our labor associations and staff, to ensure that students are provided an outstanding educational experience. Together, we will build on the District’s strong foundation and work towards new heights of excellence.”
Dr. Joseph Archival has been an educator since 1998, where he began as a college Physics teacher in the Philippines. He moved to California and taught middle school science in San Bernardino and later high school in Orange County serving as department chair, AP/IB teacher, and Robotics Club sponsor. For the last eight years, he has been a high school Assistant Principal, most recently at Nogales High School in Rowland Unified School District. Dr. Archival is also a Project Based Learning Instructor and brings a passion for STEM to the Odyssey position. He is a strong relational leader, described as detailed oriented and communicative with a strong work ethic. Dr. Archival earned his bachelor's degree in physics from Don Bosco College, master's degrees in psychology and educational leadership from the University of San Carlos and Cal State Fullerton, respectively and his Doctorate in Education Leadership from Cal State Fullerton. Dr. Archival is excited to join PUSD, stating, “It is an honor to be the new Assistant Principal at Odyssey STEM Academy. It feels as though this job is something that I have been preparing for all my life. My background in science and experience in Project Based Learning, Robotics, and CTE programs like Cyber security and Engineering, has prepared me for this opportunity. I look forward to collaborating and learning alongside the staff and leadership team at Odyssey.”
Superintendent Dr. Joshua Lightle is proud to welcome our new administrators sharing, “both Dr. Gerger and Dr. Archival have excellent backgrounds, experience at multiple levels and a strong commitment to students that will serve our District and community well. We welcome them to the Paramount Family.”
Drs. Gerger and Archival begin their roles on July 1, in preparation for the 2024-25 school year.