At the beginning of the 2025-26 school year, FHS announced the arrival of a new dean of students, Frankie Berlanga. Berlanga, who has 16 years of experience in public education, was formerly a health science teacher before joining the FHS team. His background, however, is far from homogeneous, as he has worked in a variety of athletics-related positions alongside his work in education.
With the preferred title of Coach B, Berlanga has a diverse background in the sports field. He was a head varsity football coach at Soledad High School, winning a CCS championship and multiple league titles for his team. He also played Division II collegiate football at Colorado Mesa University. Berlanga competed in MMA and prize fighting. He currently teaches MMA and jiu-jitsu classes twice a week.
The opportunity to work at FHS was an unexpected, but fortunate, occurrence for Berlanga. He reflected on his experience so far, expressing his extreme gratitude for the position and great impressions of the students and staff. Berlanga characterized FHS as a welcoming place that is highly structured, has a diverse student population and abundant resources for students.
“I love that there’s plenty of personnel and support staff here so that all students are supported and there’s something for everybody,” Berlanga said. “That’s rare in a lot of other places.”
For Berlanga, education is more than just a job. Working with young people is something he is passionate about. He described that he feels called to the community at FHS and views his role as dean as a way to impact the people at FHS.
“My goal is to come in here everyday with a purpose and assignment to fulfill, which is not only to fulfill my job responsibilities and duties, but to continue to be someone who’s going to add to the environment, add to the culture that’s already been established here, and just come in here and love on people and love what I do,” Berlanga said.
Ultimately, Berlanga expressed excitement for the opportunity to aid young people in making a difference. With a background rich in leadership and youth, he is prepared to guide students at FHS to achieve their goals.
“I love education and working with young people,” Berlanga said. “Everyone has a purpose and assignment in life to impact and influence whatever community they feel called to, and that’s why I’m here.”
