Lupine Hills Elementary Gets New Principal

will get a new principal this fall.

Cynthia Taylor, who has worked throughout the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) as a teacher and as an instructional specialist, will take over from Kathleen Brady, who finished out the school year with the students on June 9.

“I’ve been here for seven years and now it’s time to switch principals around,” said Brady, who also said her contract with the district did not allow her to speak to reporters.

According to Marin Trujillo, WCCUSD community engagement coordinator, there were several changes in principals' assignments during the year, which he said via email was “normal” for school districts. Although Brady said she hoped to continue with the WCCUSD, as of press time she hadn’t been assigned to a new school. Trujillo declined to comment about Brady’s future, saying that he couldn’t discuss personnel matters.

Taylor was one of six recipients of The Ed Fund Teaching Excellence Award in 2010 for her work as a sixth grade teacher at Dover Elementary School in San Pablo.  

Taylor was cited by the nonprofit organization for her commitment and organization of Parent Literacy Night and Parent Math Night at Dover, as well as for her innovative approaches to teaching math and bilingual students, and for seeking grants.

As an instructional specialist, Taylor has worked with teachers in the development of educational strategies. She will be employed as the summer school principal at Montalvin Elementary School in San Pablo before going to Lupine Hills in the fall.