DMUSD Administration Update
September 2008 | By Susan Miller

Close to the Sandpiper’s press deadline, the Del Mar Union School District (DMUSD) Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Sharon McClain as the district’s new Superintendent. 

Dr. McClain graduated from San Diego State University with a B.S. with distinction in Spanish.  She earned her masters degree from National University and doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of La Verne. Dr. McClain comes from a family of educators and has held teaching positions in St. Louis, Missouri and nearby in Escondido. In 1994, she moved to Ojai, California to become the Assistant Superintendent, after which she became the Superintendent of the Mesa Union School District. She left Mesa to become the Superintendent for Hermosa Beach City School District, where she has been since 2003.

Dr. McClean has raised two biological children and four foster children and is married to Dr. Joe Condon, Superintendent of the Lawndale School District.

DMUSD Board President Annette Easton stated, “We believe we have found a perfect match for our district…” and Dr. McClean stated, “I’m thrilled and honored to be part of the Del Mar School District family. The support for schools is incredible!”

In other district changes this summer, Laurie Francis left Del Mar Hills Academy to become principal of nearby Carmel Valley Middle School. As a temporary replacement for Ms. Francis, Vince Jewell was appointed interim principal of Del Mar Hills Academy. Mr. Jewell most recently spent four years as Superintendent, Cardiff School District, but retired from that position in June, 2007. According to his blog on the Del Mar Hills Academy website, “I retired in 2007 after 35 years in public education; 15 years as a teacher and 20 years as a school and district level administrator. While I retired to pursue a life-long interest in art, I enjoy interim assignments as a way to stay connected to education.”

The Sandpiper will provide further details, and hopefully an interview with each new administrator, in upcoming issues.