“I aspire to be Dave” – Dylan Farris
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Mr. Farris and his wife Lindsey, dance teacher and Culver High cheer coach.
At 38 years old, eager and alert for a career move, Dylan Farris, freshly resigned as principal of Culver City High School, said this morning his new job, just down the boulevard, “is an opportunity to build on what I have done here.”
After 13 years on campus, the last three as principal, Mr. Farris said yes to, effectively, the assistant superintendency of the El Segundo Unified School District.
As his final week in Culver City beckons, Mr. Farris tipped his fedora, at least figuratively, to School District Supt. Dave LaRose – a strong admirer of Mr. LaRose’s unique style, hence the observation above, no secret to his colleagues, “I aspire to be Dave.”
Mr. Farris also aspires to be a superintendent, and he believes his new position is one step closer to his career objective.
He learned about the El Segundo opening last month. On Tuesday of last week, a day after his second interview, he said accepted an offer. Oct. 24, a week from Friday, will be his last day. He starts at El Segundo on Monday, Oct. 27.
Asst. Principal Lisa Cooper will succeed Mr. Farris
As executive director of human resources, Mr. Farris will principally be in command of hiring and of teacher evaluations for the 3200-student district.
“Another emphasis will be helping to mold a culture of support for the faculty and staff of the entire school district.
“This opportunity builds on what I have tried to do here – develop a network of support for teachers, work on professional development and training opportunities for them, try to get them to be the best they can be, which I pride myself on doing here.”
Mr. Farris will succeed an old friend, Patty Jaffe, who held the job on an interim basis. Ms. Jaffe retired two years ago last spring as superintendent of the Culver City Unified School District.
Next: Why Mr. Farris regards Mr. LaRose as a leader to be admired and emulated.
(To be continued)
