New TJUSD Superintendent: Dr. Keith TomesDr. Keith Tomes took over as superintendent of the Trona Joint Unified School District on September 15, 2015.
A farewell party for Joanna Rummer, who served as interim superintendent, was held September 16. During the event a fun “passing of the torch” ceremony was held in which Rummer passed a Tornado megaphone (serving as a symbolic torch) to Tomes.
The Trona Teachers Association presented Rummer with a couple gifts, including a copy of Around Trona and Searles Valley, California (Images of America Series) by Fairchild, Kaldenberg, and The Searles Valley Historical Society. Additionally the Trona Classified Employees Association purchased a copy of the 2015-2016 Trona High School Yearbook, which Rummer will receive once it is actually published.
Following the “passing of the torch” ceremony and the presentation of gifts, Tomes introduced himself to the teachers and other staff members attending the event. He stressed that he intended on honoring the past, but adapting to the demands of the future.
During the last three months TJUSD has been run by three different superintendents. Dave Olney left at the end of June and Joanna Rummer served as interim superintendent from the time that Olney left and until Tomes arrived.