Dear Students, Parents/Guardians, and Community Partners,
I am honored and excited to welcome you to the 2025–2026 school year as Principal of Jonata Middle School! I remain deeply committed to serving this incredible school community and continue to believe that we have the best students, staff, and families in the Santa Ynez Valley. It is a privilege to be part of the Jonata Team and the Buellton Union School District.
My family and I relocated to Buellton from New Jersey in January 2023 after a summer visit to the Central Coast in 2022. We fell in love with the beauty of this region, the warmth of the community, and the quality of the schools that serve our children. Both my son and daughter attend Oak Valley Elementary, and we are proud to call Buellton home.
At Jonata Middle School, we operate with a shared mindset: we are the Best in the Valley. This belief is not about comparison—it’s about our collective commitment to lead with purpose, build empathy, persevere through challenges, and take ownership of our growth and actions. These values shape our school culture and guide everything we do:
• Be a Leader – Step up, speak up, and help others.
• Empathize – Include, understand, and care for others.
• Strive and Persevere – When things get tough, don’t give up & stay determined.
• Take Ownership – Be in control of your actions and your path.
As we begin this new school year, my continued goal is to build on the strong foundation at Jonata Middle School by working alongside our dedicated staff, engaged families, and amazing students to strengthen a culture where these values are lived out every day. Together, we will ensure that Jonata remains a place where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive—both academically and personally.
Here’s to a year of leadership, empathy, perseverance, and ownership—Best in the Valley!

Sincerely,
Casey McKeen
Principal, Jonata Middle School
[email protected]
805-688-4222 ext. 2258