Beloved Salinas City Elementary School District Superintendent Dies

A longtime Salinas City Elementary School District superintendent died Monday at the age of 52. 

Donna Alonzo Vaughan died of cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 2011. She'd been superintendent since 2003, says Lydia Miranda, her secretary.

"It's going to be hard not to see her here all the time and not to work with her, said Miranda. "She was a great boss I'm going to miss her." 

Vaughan's accomplishments include being the Salinas Californian's person of the year in 2007, committee chair of the California rodeo, and the Association of California School Administrators regional superintendent of the year in 2007 and 2010. 

Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Nancy Kotowski released a statement Tuesday saying, “Donna Alonzo Vaughan was a dynamic and passionate leader who brought to her schools the full array of educational opportunities that every child needs to learn and grow. Her leadership was greatly admired by students, parents, staff, and colleagues, and throughout the communities she served. Donna Alonzo Vaughan’s deep commitment and dedication to public education leaves a legacy that will continue to be an inspiration.”