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High School district hires two new administrators
By Jason Baker
Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School trustees on July 6 filled two crucial administrative positions left vacant by the retirement of one long-time employee and the repositioning of another.
Trustees named Geoff Teall, of Tiburon, the new district assistant superintendent of administrative services/chief business officer. Teall replaces Dorothy Diekmann, who announced her retirement this year after 25 years of service.
Board members also approved the hiring of Donald Hand as assistant principal for Los Gatos High School.
Hand replaces Craig Heimbichner, who earlier this year accepted an assignment as the district's assistant principal of school safety and alternative programs, effective next school year. The position moves Heimbichner from the LGHS campus to the district office, but still allows him to work in the area of discipline, district officials said.
Superintendent Cynthia Ranii said the district is delighted to have found educators of such quality to fill the positions.
"The job market is tight right now, and it's often difficult to find people we feel are qualified," she said. "I don't think we would have attracted either candidate if we weren't the district of excellence that we are."
Teall comes to the district from Larkspur School District in Marin County, where he held positions as district business manager and, most recently, interim superintendent. He holds a doctorate from Pepperdine University and a master's degree in education from California State University-Chico.
Ranii said Teall's diverse experience in the education field as well as his management of private-sector business facilities made him an ideal candidate.
"I know he understands that learning is the center of our business and that the business functions of the district serve to support and enhance that," Ranii said. "It's exceptional to find someone with that combination of experience."
With Larkspur, Teall was involved in the management of an annual budget of $8 million. In the LGSUSD, he will deal with an annual budget of about $18 million.
Donald Hand, a longtime Los Gatos resident, comes to the district from Milpitas High School, where he served as assistant principal for 10th grade, discipline and attendance. He holds a master's degree in educational administration from San Jose State University.
Though all new administrators experience a period of adjustment while building relations with students, Ranii said Hand's adjustment period might be shorter, given his familiarity with Los Gatos.
"I think he'll be a wonderful addition to the team and will work to bridge the gap of understanding between the school and the community," she said.
Both Hand and Teall plan to begin work immediately in preparation for fall classes.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
