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Acantha Aragon Contreras has resigned from her role as Vargas Elementary School’s principal, effective Jan. 20, with Director of Student Services Swati Dagar slated to fill in on an interim basis.
Aragon Contreras is leaving her role to make more time to care for her daughter, who has special needs, according to a districtwide email newsletter. She will transition to teaching special education at Bubb Elementary School starting this week, according to district spokesperson Shelly Hausman.
“We are grateful for Mrs. Aragon Contreras’ flexibility, dedication, and expertise, and we appreciate her continued commitment to serving students in our district,” the newsletter said.
This was Aragon Contreras’ first school year as principal at Vargas. Previously, she served as interim principal at Castro Elementary School during the 2024-25 school year.
Before that, Aragon Contreras served as an educational services coordinator for the district, focusing on Mountain View Whisman’s Multi-Tiered System of Support program, which aims to standardize how the district provides support for students. She also acted as the district’s special education coordinator for seven years.
“I am incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support and kind words I have received from our families, and I’m excited to continue supporting students in Mountain View,” Aragon Contreras wrote in an email to the Voice. “I know Vargas is in good hands with Interim Principal Dagar, and I will be cheering for our Golden Owls!”
Dagar is coming from the district office, where she serves as the director of student services. She previously served as the principal of Theuerkauf Elementary School for two years.
“She brings deep experience and a strong commitment to students and families. Her leadership will continue to support a stable and positive transition,” the newsletter said about Dagar.
Mountain View Whisman’s director of health and wellness, Karin Jinbo, is expected to take on student services responsibilities for the time being. The district plans to start the hiring process for a new permanent principal this spring, Superintendent Jeff Baier wrote in an email to Vargas staff and families.
Vargas is the second Mountain View Whisman school to experience mid-year leadership changes this school year. Graham Middle School’s principal, Sebastian Benavidez, resigned at the end of December, and Director of Federal, State and Strategic Programs Geoff Chang took over as interim principal.
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