Dr. Jennifer Silva to Head HSMC, Continuing a Career Devoted to Student Success
Dr. Jennifer Silva
MOORPARK, Calif. (August 5, 2025)—The Moorpark Unified School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to officially appoint longtime educator Dr. Jennifer Silva as the next principal of the High School at Moorpark College.
The vote took place during the board’s August 5 meeting.
She succeeds Dr. Shirleen Oplustic, who has led HSMC since 2021. Dr. Oplustic will continue supporting the district as an administrator on special assignment through her retirement in December.
“Dr. Oplustic has been a thoughtful and steady leader who never lost sight of why we do this work: our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays. “She’s spent over two decades making a difference in classrooms and schools, and I’m confident Dr. Silva will build on that strong foundation.”
Dr. Silva’s career spans nearly 20 years in Moorpark Unified. A proud graduate of the district, she attended Flory Academy of Sciences and Technology, Chaparral Middle School, and Moorpark High School.
“Dr. Silva knows this community inside and out,” Dr. Hays said. “She brings deep instructional knowledge, a collaborative mindset, and a clear belief that every student deserves access to meaningful and challenging opportunities.”
Dr. Silva earned her associate degree from Moorpark College, followed by a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and dual teaching credentials in secondary math and special education from CSU Channel Islands. She later completed a master’s degree in mathematics, also from CSUCI, and most recently earned both a master’s and doctorate in educational leadership from California Lutheran University.
A longtime Moorpark resident, Dr. Silva began her MUSD career in 2007 as a paraeducator at Moorpark High School. She taught math in both general and special education settings, as well as dual enrollment and college-level math at Moorpark High and HSMC.
Most recently, she has served as the district’s Program Coordinator of Mathematics and as Assessment Coordinator.
“Dr. Silva has been an incredibly effective Math Coordinator,” Dr. Hays said. “She works directly with students to help them build confidence and understanding, and she equips teachers with the tools they need to make math rigorous and engaging. We’ve seen the results in rising test scores and in how well students are prepared for the next grade.”
Dr. Silva called the new role a privilege.
“This is where I grew up—as a student, as a teacher, and now as a leader,” she said. “I believe every student can succeed, and I’ve spent my entire career working to make that a reality. I’m honored to continue that work at HSMC and to work with such a dedicated and talented staff.”
The High School at Moorpark College allows students to earn both their high school diploma and college credits at the same time. Located on the Moorpark College campus, HSMC students begin taking college-level classes as early as ninth grade.
Many graduates complete their general education college requirements before leaving high school, without having to take Advanced Placement exams.
All credits earned through HSMC are transferable to any U.S. university. This differs from AP credits, which often depend on test scores and individual university policies. In many cases, HSMC graduates significantly reduce the cost of a four-year degree.
Open to students across Ventura and Los Angeles counties, HSMC offers small class sizes and a flexible schedule. Juniors and seniors can take morning, afternoon or evening college courses, allowing for a more personalized academic experience.
“I’ve seen firsthand how the High School at Moorpark College creates an environment where students thrive—not just academically, but socially and emotionally,” Dr. Silva said. “It’s a truly unique opportunity. Students get a head start on college in a setting that is safe, supportive, and close-knit. HSMC serves incredible students who care about their education and about each other, and I’m honored to be part of that community.”
For more information, visit hsmc.mrpk.org.