HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - The Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD) is pleased to announce Billy Wilson as Valley Vista High School’s (VVHS) next principal, pending board approval.

Wilson comes to VVHS with 25 years in education, bringing a strong background in serving at-risk youth and creating student-centered learning environments. His career began in youth services in 1996, where he supported high-risk youth and led staff in trauma-informed care and crisis intervention management. In 2000, he transitioned into education, serving as a special education teacher at Mountain View Non-Public School, a STEP teacher at Apple Valley Middle School, and later a special education teacher at Marina High School. His experience working with special education and high-need students led to his first leadership role in 2006 as a program specialist for the West Orange County Consortium for Special Education. Most recently, Wilson has served as an assistant principal at Huntington Beach High School since 2021, following a successful five-year tenure from 2017 to 2021 in the same role at Warner Middle School, one of HBUHSD’s feeder schools.

Billy Wilson shared, “From walking the halls as a continuation high school student to leading them as principal, my journey has come full circle and is proof that every setback can be the start of a powerful comeback. I can’t wait to begin a new school year in this role and am looking forward to building meaningful connections with the Valley Vista students, staff, and community!"

“The students and staff at Valley Vista are so fortunate to have Billy Wilson as their newest principal,” exclaimed Superintendent Dr. Carolee Ogata. “During his time at HBUHSD, he’s focused heavily on the success of each individual student, ensuring they have the resources, opportunities, and support needed to thrive. His compassionate nature and background in working with students of varying needs and abilities are the perfect foundation for building upon the positive culture on Valley Vista’s campus.”

The Huntington Beach Union High School District is confident that Valley Vista will continue to flourish under the leadership of Billy Wilson, and we look forward to the ways his collaborative and student-centered approach will positively impact the school community and campus culture.