As the San Marcos school year draws to a close, actions of gratitude are spread all over campus to the departing staff members that are leaving at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. Each staff member has contributed to the San Marcos community in many different ways. But now, as they move along in their educational journey, new opportunities have unlocked in their life outside of the San Marcos community.
Simon Janzen, a physics teacher who has been a part of the San Marcos community for two consecutive years will be departing his way from San Marcos. He plans on staying in Santa Barbara, particularly teaching at Laguna Blanca school. He won’t be too far from San Marcos, but he will continue to teach AP physics.
“Mr. Janzen has always made my class interactive and exciting,” said freshman student of Simon Janzen, Mia Rocha.
Rebecca Miller-Maple, former English teacher and current multi-tiered system of support teacher on special assignment (MTSS TOSA) is another San Marcos member who plans on leaving San Marcos. She has been a part of the royal family for 11 years. Her future plans include working at Buena High School in Ventura through teaching social studies and English.
“I live in Ventura, so I’m looking forward to working closer to home and spending less time in the car,” said Rebecca Miller-Maple.
Bryan Brown, a math teacher at San Marcos who has been teaching here for 2 years will no longer be teaching math at San Marcos. He plans to move to San Diego. As to what his plans are, he decided not to comment.
“Mr. Brown always comes to school with a happy personality showing his sense of humor everyday showing that he cares about us. There’s never a dull moment in the class, he appreciates everyone for who they are,” said freshman Samantha Macko.
Veronika Aleiner, a French teacher at San Marcos, has plans elsewhere next year. She has been teaching for two years and she is leaving due to a change of careers. Her plans for the future are not clear yet.
“She’s super nice and has organized classes everytime we come in, making it easy to stay on task,” said San Marcos sophomore Reese Large.
Cesar Rodriguez, an academic counselor who has been teaching for 7 years will be leaving at the end of this school year. As his family grows and he continues to commute from Oxnard, he has decided to have a career closer to home. Next year he will be an academic counselor at Santa Barbara High School, even though he is saddened to leave the San Marcos High School community.
“In my personal life I will continue to enjoy as much time as possible with my son Santiago (4 yrs), my daughter Isabella (1 yr 4mo) and the rock of our family, my wife Vanessa” said Cesar.
Taylor Karst, marketing, leadership, and social studies teacher will be taking a big step in her life. She will be moving to a new home with her husband who was offered a new job opportunity in Los Angeles. Her and her husband will be closer to her family as well. She hopes to continue her education career, but has no official career plan set in stone as of the moment.
“Very, very bittersweet to leave San Marcos. I will miss the students, staff, and community endlessly,” said Taylor.
“I’m going to miss Mrs. Karst because she’s very understanding, helpful, and enthusiastic while maintaining a positive mood, ” said San Marcos sophomore Taylor Bronson.
“I love her energy because she’s always smiling and it makes my day better,” said San Marcos freshman Eva Stewart.
San Marcos students are strongly encouraged to thank and celebrate all staff members that have contributed to the San Marcos community. Especially to those who will no longer be at San Marcos next year, make sure you say your goodbyes and congratulations!
