Mueller Leaving Canyon Crest Academy for Superintendent Job

ENCINITAS, CA: A North County school district is losing a principal, while another San Diego-area district is gaining a superintendent.

Canyon Crest Academy Principal Karl Mueller has been selected as the superintendent of Coronado Unified School District, officials with both districts announced Monday.

Mueller addressed his departure from the San Dieguito Union High School District — effective at the end of this school year — in a statement to students and parents earlier Monday.

“Raven Students and Parents, After three proud years of service to the staff and student body at Canyon Crest Academy, I have made the difficult decision to assume a new challenge next year as the superintendent of Coronado Unified School District.

"Words cannot express how overwhelmed I have been by your dedication to our school, as well as by your kindness, support, and Raven pride. I will always cherish my time here. I truly value all that each of you has provided me with, including guidance, friendship, wisdom, and patience.

"What I will miss the most about CCA is the culture — the connection between faculty and our students, the respect we share, the trusting and inclusive environment where children feel the confidence to be themselves, and the strong pride in our community that made coming to work each day purposeful.

"I would like to honor the amazing team of educators at CCA whose dedication and contributions to the culture of our school and health of our students have led to our incredible achievement. Most importantly, I’d like to thank our students for always modeling curiosity and creativity — I have thoroughly enjoyed this time with you."

Mueller served as the third principal of Canyon Crest Academy, following founding principal David Jaffe (2004- 2007) and Brian Kohn (2007-2013).

SDUHSD Superintendent Rick Schmitt — who is also leaving the district at the end of this school year — will work with Board President Beth Hergesheimer to develop a plan to replace Mueller, district officials said in a news release.

The Coronado Unified School District said in a news release that Mueller will succeed Superintendent Jeffrey Felix when he retires June 30.

Mueller was selected for the superintendent position following a nationwide search conducted by the executive search firm of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, district officials said.

"We had a large pool of over 50 applicants," said CUSD Board Vice President Lou Smith. "We were able to meet with and interview many of these excellent candidates. After rigorous review we unanimously identified Karl Mueller as the best leader for our district today and in the future."

"We spent a great deal of time as a school board developing selection criteria based on feedback solicited through focus groups, surveys and interviews of shareholders in our school community as to the characteristics and qualities they wanted in a superintendent," Simon said. "We feel that our selection of Karl Mueller is very reflective of that input."

Mueller has 20 years of experience as an educator and knows the Coronado community well, CUSD officials said. He has previously worked as a charter school director, assistant principal and classroom teacher. He successfully served as principal of Coronado High School from 2006 through 2013.

"Mr. Mueller is a well-known and highly regarded Coronado educator and we are excited to welcome him back into the district,” said CUSD Board Trustee Dawn Ovrom. "He emerged from the many people we interviewed as the ideal leader for our district and community."

Mueller said he is honored to have been selected superintendent and is looking forward to engaging with students, parents, community members, faculty and staff.

"I believe in the best of everything Coronado represents and feel connected to the fabric of what makes Coronado Unified so special and so unique," Mueller said.

Mueller attended Sonoma State University for his undergraduate studies. He went on to earn a master's degree in education from National University, as well as a master's degree in educational leadership from Point Loma Nazarene University.

The CUSD Board is scheduled to approve Mueller’s employment contract — effective July 1 — at its May 12 board meeting.