Current assistant superintendent with Templeton Unified School District, to take over for retiring Maurene Donner and will start Jan. 26, 2026
At its recent board meeting, College School District in Santa Ynez announced the upcoming retirement of Superintendent Maurene Donner, who will conclude more than 37 years of service at the end of December. The district also introduced Ian Trejo as the next superintendent, with his official start date set for Jan. 26, 2026.
Donner has been a dedicated member of College School District for over three decades, beginning her career as a classroom teacher and later serving in multiple leadership roles before becoming superintendent. Throughout her tenure, she has been guided by a deep commitment to student success, strong community partnerships and the professional growth of staff.
Under Donner’s leadership, the district earned significant state recognition, including being named a California Distinguished School in 2014 and 2020. The district also received the Gold Ribbon Award in 2016 and the Pivotal Practice Award in 2022 from the California Department of Education. In 2022, the district was further honored with the Gold PBIS Implementation Award for its commitment to positive school culture and student support.
Donner championed the district’s “Paws for Excellence” vision, prioritizing continuous improvement and student-centered learning. Her leadership has also been recognized beyond the district, including being named ACSA Superintendent/Principal of the Year for Region 13, receiving the Santa Barbara County Crystal Apple Award for Administration and being honored by United Way of Santa Barbara County as the United for Literacy Partner of the Year in 2018.
During her tenure, Donner oversaw significant enhancements to programs and facilities, including expanded academic and wellness offerings, strengthened arts and enrichment opportunities, the creation of the Bobcat Café nutrition program, and the development of new tennis and pickleball courts.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve the College School District community,” said Donner. “Our students, staff, and families inspire me every day with their dedication, creativity, and heart. I am deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together and confident that the district will continue to grow and thrive.”
Donner’s legacy is defined by her collaborative leadership and unwavering dedication to the children of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Following an extensive selection process, the district announced Trejo as the next superintendent of the College School District. With two decades of leadership experience, Trejo brings a broad and diverse background in educational administration.
Trejo holds a master’s degree in special education from National University in San Diego and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Sonoma State University. He currently serves as the assistant superintendent, business services at the Templeton Unified School District. During his three and a half years in Templeton, he has demonstrated adaptability and leadership, originally serving as the assistant superintendent of educational services before stepping into business services as needs developed.
His experience at Templeton includes work in curriculum, instruction, information technology, business services, and even serving as principal of alternative education. This versatility positions him well to support the wide range of needs within a small district like the College School District.
Prior to Templeton, Trejo served as director of curriculum and instruction and director of information services and technology at Lompoc Unified School District. One of the most significant aspects of his career was his nine years as superintendent/principal at Bradley Union School District, where he gained deep experience managing every aspect of a small, rural district.
In all these roles, Mr. Trejo’s adaptability, curiosity, and broad expertise have allowed him to support students and staff across multiple domains. His strong background in business services will help maintain the district’s sound fiscal practices, while his instructional leadership will continue to support student success and provide staff with essential resources. His knowledge of technology will further strengthen the district’s ability to integrate advancing tools into teaching and learning.
“I am very happy to join College School District as superintendent and am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its long history of excellence,” Trejo shared. “I believe the Santa Ynez Valley is a special place, and I’m honored to serve this community. I look forward to joining this excellent team and building future success together.”
The district celebrates Donner’s remarkable legacy and warmly welcomes Trejo as the next leader of College School District. With his experience, dedication and collaborative approach, the district is confident in a smooth transition and a bright future ahead.
College School District serves students across two campuses: College School, which houses preschool, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten, and Santa Ynez Elementary School, which enrolls grades 1 through 8.
Located at 3325 Pine St. in Santa Ynez, College School District creates a safe, positive, and engaging school climate. A highly-skilled team of professionals work in partnership with students, parents, and the community, all dedicated to meeting the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of every student. Through rigorous curriculum and a system of support, students are prepared for high school, higher education, and future opportunities.
