Ben Wobrock, former teacher for William S. Hart District, is Castaic High School’s new principal. While the 2025-2026 school year is his first full official year of being principal of Castaic High School, Mr. Wobrock is here for the long-run, foreshadowing a multitude of years filled with the coyote-spirit.
Principal Wobrock was born in Oregon, but constantly moved around California during his adolescent years, living in places like West Covina and Santa Maria. After high school, he went to California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo where he majored in mathematics, with an initial goal to become a college math professor.
“I was like, I’m going to teach math because I love math. So, I wanted to be a college professor. But, by the time I got there, [to] upper level math, I wasn’t super interested anymore,” stated Principal Wobrock.
With many of his family members being very service oriented, especially his great-grandparents, it’s in Principal Wobrock’s blood to be service-minded, ultimately leading him back to education.
Principal Wobrock started out as a math teacher at Valencia High School for twelve years before becoming an assistant principal at Rancho Pico Middle School and later transferring to West Ranch High School.
“I taught a lot of calculus. I taught calculus for about 10 years, but I always taught algebra, and I taught everything in between except for statistics.”
While he was a teacher, he began helping with professional development, such as training teachers across the district, leading him to where he is today, Principal of Castaic High School.
Although Principal Wobrock has a passion and knack for teaching math, his position in Castaic’s administration piqued his attention.
“I just wanted to do something, like have a greater impact, greater reach than what I was doing just in the classroom,” stated Principal Wobrock. “I still love teaching, and I love math…but… I wouldn’t change what I’m doing.”
However, with such a title comes great responsibility. Similar to many, when it comes to taking on such a role, Principal Wobrock had his own doubts, such as having the right impact on students.
“I have fears… all the time. I think there are lots of times when you kind of question yourself, like, if you’re right for the position, if you’re capable. Those doubts are always there,” explained Principal Wobrock. “But at the end of the day, I have no doubts in the team, our administrative team and our ability to handle things. I think we have a lot of experience that we can pull from.”
To help minimize his self-doubt, Principal Wobrock likes to workout and keep a strong faith.
“At the end of the day, for me, it’s my faith that grounds me. So being involved in [prayer life]…[and] being around church and stuff like that, that helps a lot. With any of those kinds of doubts, I can let them go.”
Through it all, it’s clear Principal Wobrock belongs at Castaic. While confirming he’s in for the long-run, his goal for the high school is to solidify our identity and keep building on the traditions that have started to form, creating a welcoming environment for everyone.
“We haven’t talked too much about it, but you guys will see very soon some of the projects, like we’re painting some stuff on the walls,… putting some color on the buildings, things like that. I think that it’s neat to see how things progress. We have a lot to do. We’ve got to build the traditions.”
While Castaic is still in its early stages of development compared to the other high schools in the district, Principal Wobrock explains the sense of community among the students is unmatched.
“I love the people that we have here. It’s probably the most chill school that I’ve ever been at, honestly. I can say that with confidence, because I’ve been at every other school. The kids and the way that they interact with each other, the vibe is better here than anywhere else.”
Unfortunately, taking on the role of principal of a high school also means being face to face with the inevitable: conflict.
Principal Wobrock explains it’s not necessarily the most difficult, but the most emotional part of the job that requires a lot of energy and careful attention. When frustration builds up over time and turns into an abrupt and sticky situation, learning how to compromise and communicate helps him figure out a middle ground.
“At the end of the day, I was the youngest child. I think I kind of grew up as a peacemaker because the youngest always has to get along…but growing up that way, I think I found ways to help people kind of process their emotions and get through the difficult parts so that we can have a logical conversation.”
“Being empathetic is a big deal. When you’re talking with somebody, especially in conflict, hearing them out, letting them speak, letting them get things off their chests so that you can understand what the real issues are, and then deal with those issues. Even if you, at the end of it, agree to disagree, you still can do it in a reasonable way so that we can both leave and shake hands at the end of it.”
Apart from being an exceptional principal, Principal Wobrock enjoys spending time with his family and kids, is an avid fan of Detroit, Michigan sports teams, enjoys working outside and being a handyman.
It is clear that Principal Wobrock, the leader of the pack, with his extensive experience in education and genuine service to his community, will help lead Castaic High School into many years of success and flourishing accomplishments. All in all, Principal Wobrock leaves the students of Castaic High School with his “pearls of wisdom.”
“Liv[e] in the experience. Don’t shy away from trying new things. Don’t shy away from showing up to the dance or the game or whatever it is. Just do it.”
