SACRAMENTO, Calif. – May 29, 2024 – St. Francis Catholic High School is proud to announce Julie Van Houten as its new Assistant Principal. Van Houten, who holds a Master of Arts in Education, is a member of the Executive Staff and has been serving as the social studies department chair for the past two years. She will assume her new role effective July 1, 2024.

“St. Francis is an amazing school that needs to be celebrated,” said Van Houten. “As a current teacher and parent of a St. Francis student, I have a strong understanding of the academic, social, and emotional needs of the key stakeholders: students, families and teachers.”

“I am excited about the opportunity to continue working and collaborating in an environment where I can contribute to the quality of an all-girls faith-based education.”

Van Houten started teaching in the Elk Grove Unified School District in 2001 and joined the staff at St. Francis in 2016 as a social studies teacher, including AP US History and AP Government and Politics. Van Houten is also an Adjunct Professor at Sacramento State University where she teaches aspiring multiple subject and social science teachers.

“We are excited to have Julie take on this position of leadership at St. Francis,” said Principal Elias Mendoza. “Her time as a faculty representative on our Executive Staff, her innovative approach to curriculum and instructional delivery, and her passion for the mission of St. Francis make her the perfect choice. ”