Andra named Royal School District assistant superintendent

ROYAL CITY — Red Rock Elementary Principal David Andra was hired Friday as assistant superintendent for the Royal School District, and Linda Achondo, currently the executive director of student and teacher services, will become Red Rock Elementary principal.

Royal School Board members approved the personnel changes, which will be effective July 1, during a special board meeting.

Achondo replaced the previous assistant superintendent, Effie Dean. District superintendent Roger Trail said in an interview the majority of Andra’s job will be in teacher support and curriculum, which was Achondo’s job. But Andra also has experience in construction, which will be useful during the current construction project, Trail said.

The district is about halfway through a two-year construction project at Royal High School and Royal Middle School, making upgrades to both buildings.

Andra also has experience in school finance, having worked as the district’s business manager, Trail said.

Andra said he was excited for his new job, but also sad to be leaving Red Rock. He also said he hopes to have a bigger impact on the district and students in his new job.

“I love Red Rock and I have ever since I started my first teaching job there 17 years ago,” he said.

Achondo was principal at Royal Intermediate School for five years before becoming student and teacher services director prior to the 2020-21 school year.

“I have learned a lot this past year, but the biggest thing I learned is that I thrive on being directly involved with kids and staff on a daily basis,” she said. “I believe that being a principal is my calling, and I’m looking forward to getting back to it.”