Erick Mata Named Principal at Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Magnet High School

Former FAEALA president Erick Mata is now the new principal at Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Magnet High School. A veteran educator and administrator, Mr. Mata previously served as principal of Marina Del Rey Middle School. He taught at the renowned Downtown Business Magnet School, before assuming successive leadership positions as an instructional advisor at LAUSD's Division of Instruction and director in the district grants office. Returning back to the school site, he served as assistant principal at Emerson Middle School.

Located just east of the Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Center campus, near downtown Los Angeles, Orthopedic Hospital Medical Magnet High School opened in the fall of 2004, with an emphasis on health care and medical science. The school is relatively small compared to comprehensive high schools serving approximately 800 students who demonstrate interest in health science and medicine. As joint venture between LAUSD and Orthopaedic Hospital, the school provides students with an opportunity to learn in a highly enhanced curriculum. Its vision aims for students to broaden their interest and enter into the medical and biological science careers.

We at FAEALA congratulate Mr. Mata on his most recent appointment, our hats are off to you! We also extend our best wishes as you and your staff work towards helping all students achieve.

Pinoy Principal Appointed for Franklin High School

A big congratulations goes to Joseph Nacorda who was appointed to serve as principal of Benjamin Franklin High School beginning this fall. A long-time FAEALA member and a graduate of UCLA, Mr. Nacroda has served the students of Los Angeles in variety of positions: as a teacher and for the past nine years, as a school administrator. Prior to his appointment as principal, Mr. Nacorda was an assistant principal at Hollywood High School.

Located in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, Franklin HS is one of the over 60 comprehensive high schools in Los Angeles. It first opened its doors in 1916 with 225 students. Today, Franklin serves approximately 2,500 students and is at the forefront of school reform offering small learning communities (SLCs) to its students which includes: Health & Human Services, Arroyo Seco (formerly Transportation Academy), Academy of American Studies, Media & Graphic Arts (aka MEGA), Academy of Business & Sports Science (aka ABSS), and Math & Science Magnet.

FAEALA recognizes the significance of Mr. Nacorda's most recent accomplishment and wish him nothing but the best in the days, months and years to come!