"It has been amazing. Our kids are incredible," Lori Gambero, the brand new principal of Central High School, said.
She started her teaching career with the district 29 years ago.
After working in Southern California for the last decade, she's made a return to the Valley.
"It's a very full circle moment for me to come back to not only the town that I was born and raised, but the district that gave me my very first teaching career," Gambero said.
Central High School is starting the new school year with some big changes.
In the past, the campus operated as a "choice high school," offering special programs that allowed students from across the district to enroll, regardless of where they live.
But beginning this year, Central is transitioning back to a fully comprehensive high school, meaning students will now attend based on their address.
Enrollment is up by about 300 students compared to last year, and that number is expected to keep growing.
To meet the demand, the district hired additional staff to support the expanding student body.
"We hired 21 new staff members -- we are so excited -- in all of the areas -- academic areas and then our band and music director, our theater director," Gambero said.
The school now has its own band, choir and theater.
It's reclaiming its original mascot, the "Grizzlies," and the gym has already been updated.
The school will offer all the same sports as the other high schools, and the district is starting the process to prepare the football field so students can play on their home turf.
"We need enhanced lighting, we need the bleachers and we need the appropriate turf that's not there, and then our kids, yes, will be playing there," Gambero said.
Principal Gambero says she's excited for what's to come and encourages alumni to attend games in support.
"We talk about family, and I know a lot of schools talk about family, but we really have a family atmosphere. It's always been here at Central High School, a family atmosphere, and now our family is just growing," Gambero said.
Gambero said she's excited to connect with the community and the parents, especially to help build up booster clubs for their programs.
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