The leader of the pack is back: Amy Wiese reinstated as MCHS principal

Picture with Amy Wiese ( Chase Soylu Chee/Puma Prensa)

By Chase Soylu Chee and Silvio Postome, staff writers

The puma community has been restless, fighting for their principal, Amy Wiese, to be reinstated for over 3 months. Wiese's supporters triumphed, and she was re-established as Maria Carrillo High School’s Principal for years to come. 

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, the reality of school closures hit faculty members: the staff cuts were coming. One of the many victims was Principal Wiese. 

A day later, a huge protest with hundreds of pumas fighting for the principal surrounded the Santa Rosa District Office. The demonstration was followed by continued activism, including students, parents, and faculty, who represented their concerns in private and public board meetings. 

In early April, the district offered Wiese the principal position at Proctor Terrace Elementary School. She accepted the role, but nearly a month later, she rescinded after being offered to be reinstated at MCHS as principal. 

After two grueling months of chaos within the district, the faculty at MCHS has much to say about the change.

Ever since the initial staff cuts, Science teacher Gale Ligotti has been fighting tooth and nail for Wiese’s return. When being asked how she feels about Wiese’s return, she stated “Woohoo!” for all her students to hear. 

Ligotti voiced that she has seen our school community and culture flourish under Wiese’s leadership. “Mrs. Wiese is one of the best administrators we’ve ever had. I thought what was happening to her was absolutely wrong. She cares about everybody… When you walk in the main building, the A building, everyone’s happy,” said Ligotti.

Similar to Ligotti, English teacher Jenna Madsen felt at peace hearing the news of the reinstatement of Wiese at MCHS. “The district made the right decision to reinstate Amy Wiese, she’s been an excellent leader. It’s definitely the best I’ve had since I’ve been here. Not only for our students, but all of our staff, from custodians to teachers, to everybody that makes the school run,” said Madsen.

While teachers are elated about Wiese returning, Madsen is looking forward to the following year. “I can go into a summer knowing that we’re gonna come back to a strong campus that’s going to continue and instill good values in our students and staff,” said Madsen.

Counselor Chris Nicolaou shared concern for Wiese herself. “She's a popular principal for a very good reason. I just feel bad that she had to go through so much stress about losing the job and then gaining it back. But I couldn’t be happier for her. She’s great,” said Nicolaou.

Not only are parents, faculty, and students happy, but Wiese is ecstatic to be reinstated, especially with the full support of the MCHS community. “I am just so grateful and truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support that I have received from the students, from the staff, from the larger community, with the parents,” said Wiese.

Recounting the moments in the chaos of it all, Wiese believes the community learned a lot. “It’s been an invaluable lesson for our students. Showing that they are indeed masterful communicators. They felt the need to stand up for what they didn’t think was right,” said Wiese.

MCHS knows excellence, and from the moment of her termination until now, pumas have been dedicated to fighting valiantly for their beloved principal. With all the chaos unfolding beneath their feet, a powerful leader like Wiese can guide them in the right direction.

Losing Wiese threatened to take apart the culture and community at MCHS. However, Puma’s unwavering support and love for her is irreplaceable and here to stay. Regardless of what problems we may face as a school, Wiese reminds us, “It’s time to go back to being Pumas again.”