By Angelina Parisi, Yucaipa Calimesa News Mirror Reporter
The Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District has appointed Dr. Scheavonna Nesheim as principal of its Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, a newly district-run position overseeing beforeand after-school enrichment and summer learning for elementary students.
“I can’t wait to get to look at everything that’s been happening so far with the program,” Nesheim said. “The fact that this position is brand new is something that I don’t take lightly and I can’t wait to meet everybody.”
The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) provides free beforeand after-school care and summer enrichment for TK–6 students, with a companion S.T.A.R.S. program serving TK–8. The program emphasizes academic support, STEM, arts, and physical activity. Previously administered by the city of Yucaipa, it has now been brought under district oversight.
District leaders say the transition marks a shift toward aligning extended learning more directly with classroom instruction and school sites.
Dr. Nesheim began her education career in the Oceanside Unified School District in 2014. She said her passion for education started early. “I’ve always loved school, even as a kid, and I knew this was something that I wanted to pursue as an adult,” she said. Over the past decade, she has held multiple positions as a teacher, instructional coach and district project facilitator supporting professional development. She most recently worked as an assistant principal.
“I’ve been able to continue to grow as an educator and develop even strong leadership skills,” she said.
Dr. Nesheim earned her doctorate of education from City University of Seattle, an experience she said deepened her focus on literacy instruction and data-driven decision-making.
“During that transition, it gave me an even different lens to look at how we’re developing readers both in person as well as virtual learning and seeing where the gaps are as well as where the strengths are,” she said.
A central focus of her new role will be expanding access to meaningful enrichment experiences beyond the school day. She pointed to her own family experience as part of what shaped her perspective. “My son has been enrolled in the after-school program in my current district, and the things he comes home with and shares with me about what he’s been doing as far as activities with friends and the things he’s learned along the way…It’s really inspiring,” she said.
She added that extended learning programs can play a key role in student development, particularly in social and emotional growth. “Knowing that such a great time can happen after school to continue to build on, especially social-emotional opportunities for our students, it’s something that’s very close to my heart and my passion,” she said.
Nesheim said she sees the after-school environment as an extension of the classroom where students can strengthen relationships and confidence.
As she steps into the newly created position, she said collaboration will be essential across campuses and staff roles. “This will give me the chance to interact with not only the extended learning staff but the regular site staff. Teachers, principals, this is one community, it’s one system,” she said. “So, when parents see we’re all working together in collaboration, that will help instill a sense of trust,” she said.
“I look forward to interacting with them and building a strong relationship so we can continue to see the best outcomes for all of our students.”