Santiago’s Barros Arana National Boarding School (INBA), a historically significant educational institution in teh capital, will welcome a new director on December 22nd. Urbi Rojas Arriarán’s appointment follows a rigorous, merit-based selection process involving 162 applicants and overseen by the Santiago municipal Education Department (DEM) and the Civil Service. The competitive search utilized the “Directors for Chile” platform, reflecting a city-wide commitment to qualified leadership in its public schools.
Santiago’s Barros Arana National Boarding School will have a new director starting December 22, as Urbi Rojas Arriarán was recently appointed to the position following a competitive national search.
Rojas Arriarán secured the role through a public competition jointly conducted by the Santiago Municipal Education Department (DEM) and the Civil Service, utilizing the “Directors for Chile” platform. The appointment underscores the city’s commitment to merit-based selection processes for educational leadership.
The selection process drew 162 applicants and included a thorough review of qualifications, curriculum analysis, a psycholaboral interview, and a final interview before an evaluation committee. That committee comprised the Director of Municipal Education, Pilar Sazo, a teacher chosen by public lottery, a representative from the Civil Service, and the Municipal Secretary serving as a notary.
According to a statement from the DEM, Santiago Mayor Mario Desbordes directed that the appointment be given to the candidate who received the highest score from the final three candidates. This method, the municipality said, ensured the selection was based on objective merit and results from each stage of the competition.
Profile of the new INBA director
The new director of INBA is a History and Geography teacher, holding a degree from the University of Tarapacá. She also possesses postgraduate studies specializing in educational management, including a Master’s in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Evaluation, and a Master’s in Management and Leadership for Educational Management.
Rojas Arriarán’s training also includes coursework in the strategic management of educational institutions.
She brings extensive experience within the school system, having held leadership and pedagogical management positions in various institutions. Previously, she served as director of the Diego Portales Commercial High School through the High Public Administration and also held interim director roles, as well as positions as general inspector, curriculum specialist, and department head at other high schools.
Focus on educational project and school climate
Rojas Arriarán’s professional background includes significant experience in planning and managing Institutional Educational Projects. This experience will be central to her new role at INBA, where she will guide the identity and pedagogical direction of one of the capital’s most prominent schools.
She also has a proven track record in fostering positive school climates, having implemented related processes in previous roles. The DEM of Santiago anticipates that her experience will contribute to achieving INBA’s educational goals.
