Eduardo Zaldivar is going home – to the place that “launched my life” and with an opportunity to pay it forward to the future generations of Rancho Cucamonga High School students eager to make a mark in the world.
A 1994 graduate of RCHS who will return to the school next fall as its principal, Zaldivar vividly remembers his own struggles, as an immigrant child growing up in a low-income household. His family emphasized that education was the key to survival, and with the support of his teachers and a school culture that inspired confidence and hope, Zaldivar went to college and began his own successful career path as an educator.
“Things were difficult back then, but I had people who believed in me and my life trajectory changed. It’s very meaningful to be able to go back,” says Zaldivar, who has served as principal of Ontario High School for the past six years.
Both schools are part of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District, which serves about 24,000 students in San Bernardino County and is one of the highest performing districts of its kind in California. At Rancho Cucamonga, Zaldivar will succeed Cary Willborn, who is retiring at the end of the current academic year.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have a principal of Mr. Zaldivar’s caliber able to step in and build on the incredible legacy Mr. Willborn established at Rancho Cucamonga High School over the past six years,” said Dr. Mathew Holton, Chaffey District superintendent. “His experience, leadership and collaborative spirit made him an ideal choice to take on this challenge. We’re also delighted that he gets to return home – a wonderful opportunity for any principal.”
Especially so for Zaldivar, who not only was part of Rancho Cucamonga’s first graduating class, but met the girl who would later become his wife. Today, he and Melissa have four children.
“We met in math class and were in ASB together. I paid more attention to her than my school work,” he says jokingly.
Zaldivar also was very involved in sports – football, basketball and baseball – and believes that helped him stay connected to school. He would go on to the University of California San Diego, where he graduated with double majors in history and political science, then began his teaching career in South Central Los Angeles. He later became a middle school principal in Las Vegas, then returned to the Inland Empire – and the Chaffey District – as an assistant principal at Montclair High School.
At Ontario High School since 2014, Zadivar has built on his reputation as a thoughtful and passionate leader.
“I believe in treating people with dignity and respect and being inclusive about the process,” he says. “No matter how minute or large the task is, we can do it together.”
Zaldivar is eager to bring his collaborative style to Rancho Cucamonga.
“What Mr. Willborn has accomplished is amazing. I want to continue the great things he has done and the tone he set,” Zaldivar says.