The school we once knew has been trans- formed into a much improved, modernized campus. Undoubtedly the most notable change in the “Laguna Blanca Now” campaign has been the addition of new Head of School Rob Hereford. Hereford is adjusting to the daily school life.“It has been great!” Hereford said on the transition into the La- guna community. “I’ve worked hard to learn my way around Laguna, and I’m beginning to feel less like the new guy everywhere I go. I can’t tell you how thankful I am for the way I’ve been welcomed by everyone here, from faculty and staff to Laguna parents and students. Moving halfway across the country with two small kids and taking on a huge new job is never an easy thing to undertake, but our community has made it really fun and exciting to be here.” While he praised nu- merous qualities of the school, Hereford singled out the relationships between the students and teachers as the most attractive and unique characteristic.
“It creates a confi- dence in our students that you just don’t see at other places. [Our students and teachers] are happy to be here just about everyday.” This relationship is one that Hereford was very attracted to when he first heard about Laguna, and one that he says has really eased his transition into not only the Laguna community but also the Santa Bar- bara community as well. The climate change from Texas and Louisi- ana didn’t hurt either. Moving across the coun- try would have been a challenge in itself for Hereford and his wife, Amanda, but they also came with their four and six-year old sons, John and JoJo. “[John and Jojo] love it!” Hereford said. “Ev- ery day they tell me how much they are enjoying the Lower School (par- ticularly recess bouts of Knock Hockey), and they are thrilled to have the athletic complex in their front yard. One of my favorite moments at Laguna was before school in August when the boys and I were at preseason football prac- tice. John was rolling in the grass and looking up at the mountains in the distance and he said, ‘Dad, it’s just about perfect here.’ I have to agree.”