PUSD Names New Amador Principal

When Jim Hansen talked about leaving his current principal post at Harvest Park Middle School, he said he couldn't help but be emotional.

"It's the most wonderful staff I've ever been worked with," said Hansen, who was principal at the school for 11 years. "I will miss them so much."

But Hansen is not going far. In fact, at his new job as the incoming principal of Amador Valley High School, Hansen anticipates seeing the kids and families he's worked with at Harvest Park.

The Pleasanton Unified School District announced Tuesday that Hansen will be taking the principal position at Amador.

Hansen said he's looking forward to getting to know the high school.

"It's a wonderful school," he said. "They have some wonderful programs, and I plan to maintain them and bring them to another level."

Myla Grasso spokesperson for the district said parents and staff at Amador were looking for a new principal who can build a sense of community, be visible to students and staff, and create a caring climate.

"[Hansen] has demonstrated that at Harvest Park," Grasso said.

During Hansen's time at Harvest Park, the school was recognized as a California Distinguished School and a National Blue Ribbon School. Before coming to Pleasanton, Hansen also served as principal of Wells Middle School, Dublin High School and Valley Continuation School.

The Board of Trustees will need to approve Hansen's hire during its next meeting either in July or August.

The district is currently in the process of finding a new principal for Harvest Park.

The middle school is just one out of at least three others that have seen changes in administrators due to retirement and other reasons.

Grasso said there have been more changes in administrators recently than the previous year.

"We have a little more movement than last year," she said," ...but nothing too unexpected."

Hansen will take the place of Bill Coupe, who officially retires June 30 after 13 years at Amador.

Marc Schweitzer and Steve Maher both retired from their principal posts at Donlon Elementary School and Hart Middle School, respectively.

Barbara Heisser, who served as vice principal at Lydiksen Elementary School, will replace Schweitzer.

Robin Sehrt, principal at Mohr Elementary School, and Matt Campbell, vice principal at Pleasanton Middle School, were hired to be school administrators at other districts.

Correction: The original article was stated that Matt Campbell was vice principal of Hart. Campbell was actually a vice principal at Pleasanton Middle School.