Merly Soni Joins Moorpark Unified as Director of Curriculum and Instruction
MOORPARK, Calif. (May 6, 2026)—The Moorpark Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint longtime educator Merly Soni as the district’s next Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
The appointment was approved by a 4-0 vote during the board’s May 5 meeting. She officially begins July 1.
“Providing an outstanding education is at the very heart of our mission to connect with every student, every day,” Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays said. “Merly has a proven record of helping students grow, supporting teachers and building learning environments where children are challenged and encouraged. She’ll be joining an outstanding district office team and working alongside our dedicated principals to continue strengthening teaching and learning for every student.”
Soni comes to Moorpark Unified after serving as principal of Cedarcreek Elementary School in Canyon Country, a Saugus Union School District campus known for turning hands-on learning into part of the regular school day.
“I’m truly excited to join Moorpark Unified,” Soni said. “Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to helping all students reach high levels of learning, and I know that work begins in the classroom and with the leadership at each school. I look forward to getting to know the Moorpark community and being part of the important work already happening across the district.”
During her tenure, Cedarcreek was named a 2025 California Distinguished School. The campus also received Platinum PBIS recognition in 2024 and 2025 and was recognized as an America’s Healthiest Generation All-Star School.
Soni has spent more than three decades in education, working as a teacher, master teacher, assistant principal and principal. Her career has included service in the Saugus Union School District, Newhall School District and Los Angeles Unified School District.
Before becoming principal, Soni served as an assistant principal in the Newhall School District from 2020 to 2022, where she supported school programs, summer school, student services and daily campus operations.
Earlier in her career, she taught in the Newhall School District and Los Angeles Unified School District. She was recognized as a Teacher of the Year and later served as a master teacher, helping prepare and support future educators.
In Moorpark Unified, Soni will help guide the district’s work in teaching and learning. Her role will include supporting classroom instruction, curriculum, teacher professional learning and the academic goals that shape student success across the district.
Soni’s experience also includes work with English learners, student intervention programs, special education processes and schoolwide efforts to help students stay connected to learning. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Soni holds an administrative services credential and a multiple subject teaching credential. She is a graduate of the ACSA Personnel Administrators Academy and is an ACSA-certified coach for new administrator mentorship.