VCUSD Names Dan Mini Principal Yvanna Wheeler as Administrator of the Year

VALLEJO, Calif. — Vallejo City Unified School District  (VCUSD) is proud to recognize Principal Yvanna Wheeler of Dan Mini Elementary School as Administrator of the Year, honoring her exceptional leadership, dedication to student success, and commitment to equity.

Wheeler has served as the principal of Dan Mini for the past six years, during which she has built a school culture rooted in continuous improvement, compassion, and student-centered decision-making. Her leadership has helped shape Dan Mini into a campus where students feel supported, and staff feel empowered to grow.

“Yvanna is compassionate, especially when students and families are experiencing challenges,” said Amy Parangan, Director of Professional Learning. “She has created an environment of physical and emotional safety and always prioritizes what’s best for students.”

Parangan shared that Wheeler’s leadership style is both heart-driven and strategic, blending care for her school community with a strong focus on instructional excellence.

“Her data-driven approach to professional learning and instructional planning ensures that equity for all students stays at the core of the work,” Parangan said. “Yvanna’s goal is to do what is right, in the right way.”

When asked about receiving the honor, Wheeler shared that the recognition reflects the collective effort of her entire school community.

“I was honored and humbled to be recognized as Admin of the Year,” Wheeler said. “It reflects the hard work and dedication of our Dan Mini team and community. Leadership is never a solo recognition. It is the commitment of our teachers, our support staff, and students who show up every day ready that makes the difference.”

For Wheeler, the award is both meaningful and motivating.

“This recognition is a reminder of why I chose to go into education, which eventually evolved into education leadership,” she said. “It motivates me to continue the work I have been dedicated to—building a culture grounded in collaboration, high expectations, and genuine care for students. When we focus on relationships, student growth, and supporting staff, student outcomes increase.”

This year, Wheeler is especially proud of the positive culture and climate at Dan Mini.

“We have worked hard at building a positive culture and climate within our Dan Mini community,” she said. “This is reflected in positive student behavior, strong attendance, and active engagement in our classrooms.” She also noted that the supportive relationships among stakeholders have led to “positive gains in academic areas and the implementation of a strong early literacy program.”

Looking ahead, Wheeler remains focused on continued growth. “We have made great strides, but we still have areas in which we need to improve,” she said. “I would like to see our student academic progress continue to increase and our overall performance scores continue to grow.”

Wheeler also expressed gratitude to those who supported her along her leadership journey. She credited former principal Heather Topacio for ensuring a smooth, thoughtful transition into the role, sharing insights and systems that allowed Wheeler to build on a strong foundation. She also thanked Ava Sudduth, who first hired her as a new teacher.

“She saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself,” Wheeler shared. “From the very beginning, she encouraged me to pursue leadership and challenged me to think beyond my classroom. The lessons she modeled and the confidence she instilled in me have had a lasting impact on my leadership journey.”

The Administrator of the Year is selected by the Vallejo School Management Association (VSMA), whose officers consider leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student success, foster meaningful community partnerships, and serve as strong collaborative members of their administrator teams.

VCUSD congratulates Principal Wheeler on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her continued leadership in service of the Dan Mini community and the entire district.