Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) is pleased to announce the selection of two new elementary school principals: Ms. Lauren Goodner at Seacliff Elementary School and Ms. Vanessa Angeles at Peterson Elementary School.

Ms. Lauren Goodner, Seacliff Elementary

Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) is pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Lauren Goodner as the new principal of Seacliff Elementary School. Ms. Goodner will assume her new role at the start of the 2026–2027 school year.

Ms. Goodner has been an integral part of the HBCSD community for the past two years, serving as Assistant Principal at Sowers Middle School. In this role, she has led school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiatives, coordinated the development of the master schedule, facilitated site-level professional development aligned to High Reliability Schools, and supported teachers in integrating digital tools and AI-supported instruction.

Prior to joining HBCSD, Ms. Goodner brought a wealth of leadership and instructional experience, including six years as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) in instructional technology, where she led district-wide blended learning initiatives and coached K–12 educators across multiple school sites. She began her career in the classroom as a middle and high school teacher, earning Site Teacher of the Year honors in both 2014 and 2021. Her experience also includes leading Migrant and GATE Education Programs.

"I am honored and excited to join the Seacliff Elementary community as its new principal," said Ms. Goodner. "I believe in building strong relationships with students, families, and staff, and I look forward to partnering with everyone at Seacliff to continue the wonderful work already happening for our Sea Stars."

Ms. Goodner holds a Master's in Educational Leadership and a Tier II Administrative Credential from Azusa Pacific University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University, Long Beach. She also holds a Single Subject Teaching Credential in English and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from National University.

"Lauren's dedication to students and staff, her instructional leadership, and her experience in our District make her a wonderful fit for Seacliff Elementary," said HBCSD Superintendent Dr. Leisa Winston. "We are thrilled to see her step into this new role and look forward to the positive impact she will have on the Seacliff community."

Ms. Goodner will continue to provide administrative support at Sowers Middle School through the end of the current school year.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Ms. Goodner to Seacliff Elementary School.

Ms. Vanessa Angeles, Peterson Elementary School Principal

Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) is pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Vanessa Angeles as the new principal of Peterson Elementary School. Ms. Angeles will assume her new role at the start of the 2026–2027 school year.

Ms. Angeles brings nearly two decades of experience in education, with a strong foundation in instructional leadership, school culture, and systems-level support for all learners. She currently serves as Principal of Arnold Elementary School in Cypress School District, where she has led all aspects of school operations, implemented and sustained Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and PBIS frameworks, strengthened school culture through social and emotional learning integration and community-building initiatives, and overseen the development of comprehensive school safety systems.

Throughout her career, Ms. Angeles has demonstrated a commitment to student-centered education and inclusive practices. Prior to her current role, she served as Principal of Webber Elementary School and as Assistant Principal at Johnson Middle School in Westminster School District. 

"I am thrilled and honored to join the Peterson Elementary community and the HBCSD team," said Ms. Angeles. "I look forward to building strong relationships with students, families, and staff, and to working together to create a joyful, supportive, and high-achieving environment for every child."

Ms. Angeles holds a Master of Arts in Education Administration from Concordia University, Irvine and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University, Sacramento. She also holds a Multiple Subject Credential from San Francisco State University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at California State University, Fullerton.

"Vanessa's extensive experience as a site principal, her expertise as an instructional leader and developing positive school culture, and genuine passion for students and building school community make her an outstanding fit for Peterson Elementary," said HBCSD Superintendent Dr. Leisa Winston. "We are excited to welcome her to our team and look forward to all she will bring to our students, families, and staff."

Please join us in warmly welcoming Ms. Angeles to Peterson Elementary School and the HBCSD community.