On Oct. 22, in an email sent by Board President Misty Davies to the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District (LGSUHSD) community, she announced superintendent Bill W. Sanderson’s sudden leave for the remainder of the school year and his official resignation effective June 30, 2025. Citing “personal reasons” for his leave, the board appointed assistant superintendent of student services Heath Rocha to serve as the interim superintendent until a permanent replacement is found.
Rocha, who has served the district for the past 9 years overseeing special education and student services, addressed nearly 200 community members that same evening at a 2 hour meeting with four members of the board in the SHS library.
“As I’ve reflected on the last several months, but definitely the last several weeks, it is clear that our staff, students, parents and board members are hurting,” Rocha said. “There has been harm felt by too many members of our Los Gatos and Saratoga community. I believe that many of the changes we are talking about tonight, we’re starting with the right intention. However, education rules and regulations can often cause more obstacles and pathways, and I believe that any road forward needs to be paved together.”
At the community meeting, Rocha and the board listened to parents, students and music teachers speak on several agendized items — in particular, calls to retain the music program’s international tours and addressed the cancellation of this year’s concerto competition and CMEA festival due to recent board policy changes. These issues were previously voiced at the August, September and October board meetings where parents and students demanded increased transparency between the district and the music department, as well as more engagement with the community from district leadership. Other issues included a controversial 8 percent raise for Sanderson and growth of the district office since he began his tenure in 2022.
Each speaker, however, also voiced confidence for Rocha’s transition into the interim superintendent role and his “commitment for improved communication” after he stated plans for district leadership presence at the SHS Family Friday Meetings; reinstating board member office hours; lunch meetings with both music departments at SHS and LGHS; and direct communication with the music department staff and the Saratoga Music Boosters.
In an interview with The Falcon, Rocha further emphasized his commitment to “do everything in [his] power to allow the amazing programs and students to thrive.” He underscored his intent to address the distinct needs and communities of both SHS and LGHS, looking to improve each of their school’s programs without compromising the well-being of either.
“I’ll tell you right now, I have had more phone conversations with district office personnel today in one day than I have had in two years. Better times are on the horizon, for sure,” music director Michael Boitz said during open dialogue.
Later in the meeting, music director Jason Shiuan added: “Mr. Boitz always jokes that you’re lucky to get one or two great administrators in your career. I told Mr. Louie that I’m worried that I wasted my one good administrator. But I’m very much looking forward to now having two.”
Several parents also threw support behind the district’s decision to move forward under new leadership during the open dialogue. They highlighted what they called Rocha’s approachable character and praised his forward-thinking vision of the district’s future: “I think Heath is, at least, to my perspective at this point, showing himself to be a great communicator and someone who listens to the community,” community member Josh Rupert said.
Rocha himself believes that his tenure in the district has built a foundation of trust that the community can rely on.
“I’ve been here almost nine years,” Rocha said in an interview with The Falcon. “And so I believe that teachers aren’t going to be hesitant to just drop me an email saying, ‘Hey, [I’m] having this issue. Can we meet?’ And they know that I will get back with them and meet with them, and we will work towards a solution.”
Though it was only Rocha’s first day in his new role, when asked by The Falcon whether he intended to apply for the permanent superintendent position, he said: “I don’t want to work anywhere else. I like being in a high school-only district. I like how each school is unique in its own way, and… so I will apply for the position. I don’t know if I’ll get accepted, and I don’t know if I’ll accept it, if offered, depending on how the next six months go. But I’m not leaving.”
