School principals: Superintendent will be sorely missed

Now with Damelio's days in the district numbered, many principals are singing his praises.

"He's been a fabulous leader," said Leslie Lohmeier, principal of Beresford Elementary. "I think most of us are really hurting from the news. I feel like Rick has been a very humanistic leader for us. He's a brainstormer, he's a risk-taker, nothing sits with him, he's always trying to better the education in the district. I feel like he's going to be very hard to replace."

"I feel it's going to be a big loss for the district," said Jennifer Benjamin, principal of Horrall Elementary, who has worked closely with Damelio for about a year. "He is an extremely visionary, inspiring individual. He's so interested in what the kids are doing and wants to know about the progress of every child in this district. I found his enthusiasm, his overachieving-ness to be so refreshing in a leader."

Principals provide some of the most direct connection the superintendent has to what is going on in each of the district's 20 schools. And principals rely on the superintendent, who is their supervisor, to inform and direct them on new district and state policies and to support them on issues that come up in the schools.

Most principals were hired into the district by Damelio.. And some said he was the reason they decided to accept the job.

"It was because of him I accepted this position," said Bessie Stewart-Ross, principal of North Shoreview Elementary since 1994 when the school became a Montessori magnet school. "I always felt like I had his support. He really cared about the kids."

Some of the biggest changes that have come under Damelio's 12-year tenure are the introduction of four new schools into the district and some innovative new programs like Fiesta Gardens' Spanish-English immersion program and Brewer Island's year-long school schedule.

He led the introduction of new curriculum like the conceptually-based Math Investigations program and whole language reading, which have also been a source of controversy in the district among some parents and teachers who don't think the programs are effective.

And Damelio is almost universally commended for bringing computers to every classroom and starting the district out on a 10-year renovation plan for all district schools.

"I think he did a good job of clarifying the direction for the district and putting into writing where we were going and how we were going to there," said Lucretia-Del Broussard, principal of Park Elementary for four years. "He developed a strategic plan that was a big step for the district because it gave us an umbrella in which to work."

Most principals were not overly concerned about the transition to a new superintendent at the start of next school year, saying they trusted that Damelio would carry them through some of the big decisions to be made throughout the rest of this year, including budget cuts, curriculum changes, and the hiring of new staff.

But some principals expressed a bit of apprehension about the new direction the next superintendent might take the district.

"I'm concerned about the ongoing controversy with the math program. I'm worried that we're going to throw out a program that's been very successful," Lohmeier said.

"I think the economic challenge because we're one of the lowest funded districts in San Mateo county. That's a big issue for us and trying to get changes through the legislature," said Kim Castro, principal of Highlands Elementary. "I think every district is going to face more and more teacher shortages, and how do we find people for those positions and maintain our high quality staff."

Damelio, who in recent years has led the charge for more state funding, said he still intends to be involved, even after retirement. He would not say exactly what his plans are because they are still being worked out.

And until his last day of work in August, Damelio said he still has much to do.

After 24 years in education, Damelio said he will give himself a few months off before he gets back to work. But he said he will remember his days as superintendent fondly.

"When it's all said and done, all those things are wonderful but the best part is the journey - working with people and staff and parents to accomplish a goal, and to put things in place that you would like to benefit kids," Damelio said.

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