Mar 1, 2017 - Joan Romano, Retiring Director, Curriculum & Instruction. Joan Romano ... and contributions, Ms. Roman
PVPUSD ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION March 1, 2017
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD) values our employees and the impact they have upon the success of our students in one of the leading school districts in the nation. Today we are honoring the significant contributions of three professionals who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Pending Board approval, we are also proud to announce the appointments of three internal promotions. As a cascading effect of Joan Romano, Mitzi Cress, and Rosemary Humphrey announcing their retirements effective June 30, 2017, the District has identified three veteran internal candidates to immediately fill vacancies. Kelli Keller will move to Educational Services. Brent Kuykendall will become the third principal in the history of Palos Verdes Peninsula High School. Micah Farrell will return to Rancho del Mar High School in his new role as principal. Board of Education President, Tony Collatos, said, “This is a time to honor the contributions of three gifted and valued educators. Together, they account for over sixty-five years of experience in PVPUSD and they will be greatly missed. As we thank our retirees for their service to our schools and community, we are also excited about embracing our next generation of educational leaders.” Vacancies resulting from this round of moves are under evaluation. Please read more about each person mentioned in this release below. Mitzi Cress, Retiring Principal, Peninsula High School Mitzi Cress bleeds the black and gold of Peninsula High School. Her twenty-two year career as a Panther has left a profound impact on the place she calls her second family. Mrs. Cress was named the Educator of the Year in 2000 and was selected as one of the 30 Most Influential Leaders in Education in 2016. The fourth generation member of this community said, “I am humbled and honored that this community has entrusted me with the responsibility of guiding their children through these precious years as Principal of Peninsula High School.” Rosemary Humphrey, Retiring Principal, Rancho del Mar High School Rosemary Humphrey is completing an amazing career with a reputation as a tireless and dedicated worker with a passion for serving the students and community as a public servant. Mrs. Humphrey has worked for PVPUSD since 2000 and took over as the principal of Rancho del Mar in 2001. In addition to serving PVPUSD, Mrs. Humphrey was a member of the Palos Verdes Estates City Council for twenty-five years, including four terms as mayor. Rosemary shared, “I have loved guiding so many students through a successful high school experience and on to a productive post-secondary life as young adults. Retirement is just a word. Some activity will ‘call’ to me.”
Joan Romano, Retiring Director, Curriculum & Instruction Joan Romano has dedicated her life to the students and families of PVPUSD. She has served the last twenty-six years of her thirty-year career in the District, and her roles as a teacher at Point Vicente Elementary and principal of Lunada Bay Elementary School can still be felt today. Among many significant accomplishments and contributions, Ms. Romano led recent efforts in Cognitively Guided Instruction, Singapore Math, and district-wide professional development efforts. Mrs. Romano added, “Most of all, I will forever be grateful and proud of the students I have had the honor to know and work with throughout my career. I am confident that together, the school district and the community will continue to prepare students for the opportunities and challenges they will face in the future.” Brent Kuykendall, New Principal, Peninsula High School Mr. Kuykendall will enter his twentieth year in PVPUSD leading his Alma Mater. Brent brings experience after ten years in the classroom and two successful principal runs. Mr. Kuykendall said, “Moving from the intermediate to the high school level will allow me to reconnect with many of the families and staff that I have worked with in the past.” In his new role, Mr. Kuykendall will take over one of the highest-performing schools in the nation. Brent is completing his doctoral degree and plans to find ways to add value to a school rich in tradition with a history of strong academic achievement. Micah Farrell, New Principal, Rancho del Mar High School Mr. Farrell has served in a variety of roles in PVPUSD over the last eleven years. Micah is an experienced counselor from his time at Ridgecrest Intermediate School and served as a Dean at Rancho del Mar before heading to Peninsula High School as an assistant principal for four years. Mr. Farrell wrote, “It was at Rancho del Mar that I first became acutely aware of the importance of serving the students and the community.” Micah is excited about a homecoming and the chance to build upon a foundation of strength. Kelli Keller , New Executive Director, Curriculum and Instruction Kelli Keller brings a wealth of experience from all levels into her new position in Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. Keller has served in the roles of principal of Ridgecrest Intermediate School, administrator of three elementary schools, and the English Department Chair of Mira Costa High School. Kelli brings enthusiasm and energy to the position, combined with a solid background in instruction. The former Mira Costa and University of Hawaii volleyball standout also brings a sense of competition to a position that is critical to maintain the outstanding rankings and status of PVPUSD. About the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD) PVPUSD serves over 11,000 students from the communities of Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, and Rolling Hills Estates. PVPUSD is one of the top school districts in the nation and prepares all students for post-secondary college and career options. Community engagement and support supplements powerful teaching and learning in a school system designed to help all students realize their full potential with the help of talented and caring adults. The PVPUSD attracts, develops, and retains best in class talent who add value and a make a difference for our students through a relentless work-ethic, growth mindset, joy in their heart, and commitment to our dynamic school district. PVPUSD.net @pvpschools @DonAustin_PVP
