She's planning meeting sessions with district staff, teachers, parents and community members to find out what personal and professional characteristics they are hoping to find in their new principal. In the meantime, Ranii, in consultation with Saratoga High's administrative team, has appointed Bill Richter to serve as interim principal. Richter, who retired in June of 2003, served for seven years as the principal of Lynbrook High School.

Richter began his teaching career at Fremont High School, later moving to Monta Vista High School, where he served as a department chairman. During his 19 years in the classroom, he also taught an independent study program and adult education. He became assistant principal in 1986, serving at both Monta Vista and Homestead high schools. He also managed the middle college program at De Anza Community College and a countywide program for at-risk youth.

He was appointed principal of Lynbrook in 1996, where under his leadership the school successfully completed a $30 million renovation project with little disruption to its programs. In 2002, Richter was named Silicon Valley Principal of the Year by the Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Ranii said the Saratoga High principal job opening has already been posted nationwide, with a deadline to apply by Aug. 23. After paper screenings, background checks and two rounds of interviews, Ranii is hoping to make a recommendation to the district board of trustees at a Sept. 7 meeting. The new principal would then officially start Oct. 1. With complete confidence in Richter, Ranii said she hasn't heard any anxiety expressed from parents about school starting with an interim principal.

"I anticipate a very smooth opening of school," Ranii said, adding that Skelly will still be hard to replace. "It's always a challenge to find a top-quality high school administrator. I'm hopeful that since our schools are such top-notch schools, they will attract the best applicants."

Parents and community members are invited to attend a meeting Aug. 18 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the district office, 17421 Farley Road West, Los Gatos, to voice their concerns about what they hope to see from the new principal. Ranii encouraged people to email her with comments at cranii@lgsuhsd.org.

Ranii also announced the district staff has a new addition. Ann Morton, who comes from Southern California, has been appointed as the director of special education, after the retirement of Sharon DeMartini, the former school psychologist and district coordinator of special education.

The Saratoga High School community of students, parents, staff, alumni and neighbors are also invited to a reception in honor of Skelly on Aug. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the school quad, 20300 Herriman Ave., Saratoga. Participants are encouraged to bring a small appetizer or dessert to share.