Muirlands Principal Chris Hargrave Leaving

Muirlands Middle School Principal Chris Hargrave announced Thursday that will be stepping down. Hargrave, who has been with La Jolla's middle school for 10 years, will take a new position with San Diego Unified School District—a mentor role for administrators implementing the new Common Core Standards.

Hargrave will remain at his current post until a replacement is selected.

Principal Hargrave shared the following message with students and parents on Thursday:

It is with deep and mixed emotions that I share this news with you. I learned on Tuesday evening that I was appointed to a new position as a mentor principal who will be supporting other administrators and school sites as they plan for the implementation of the Common Core Standards.

I'm looking forward to the challenge and possibilities of this work. As most of you know, my passion is teaching and learning and instructional improvement-which has been the best part of my journey with the students and teachers at Muirlands.  

I've had my dream job as principal of Muirlands MS for these past ten years. I've enjoyed being a part of your student's passage through the middle school years; watching them get taller, mature emotionally, stumble, and pick themselves up to begin again. I will miss the interaction with students on a daily basis as they are quite humorous, adventurous, inspirational, and yes, a little mischievous.

It has been my great fortune to work in such an amazing community, with involved parents and community members who are relentless in their support of public schools.

I want you to know that I will remain as principal of Muirlands until a perfect match is selected through a process which will be announced shortly. I understand that the changes in leadership at schools in the La Jolla Cluster have left students and parents with feelings of apprehension and uncertainty.   I care deeply about this school and will make every effort to make this transition as seamless as possible.