New Hatch Elementary School Principal Resigns

Hatch Elementary School students were sent home today with a letter from the school district announcing the resignation of their new principal, Will Flores, who the Cabrillo Unified School District officially appointed to the position last spring, beginning his principalship at Hatch in July.

School staff, students and parents who learned of the news this morning were stunned and saddened as many were happy with Flores' support of the Spanish immersion program at the school and his willingness to add some changes like having recess before eating lunch, a new program that aims to improve students' health and behavior.

"We were so fortunate to have had Mr. Flores as Principal, even though it was such a short time," said Hatch PTO president Corrine Bucher. "The changes he initiated have created a great momentum."

Flores came to the job with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Modern Languages: Spanish Literature/Linguistics from Southern Oregon University and a Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Bilingual Education, also from Southern Oregon University. He has an extensive background as a teacher, trainer, and principal in Spanish/English immersion programs, making him an ideal selection for Hatch, which houses the Districts K-5 immersion program.

But due to unknown circumstances, Flores suddenly resigned Tuesday night in the second week of the school year. He had relocated to the San Mateo area from Oregon with his wife, who is a dual language teacher.

Cabrillo Unified School District superintendent Tony Roehrick was unable to immediately comment on the situation since "things have happened so quickly," he said, but he does plan to provide the public a statement later this week.

Jim Ward, who served as Interim Principal last year on the departure of former Hatch principal Dr. Mark Loos, will now officially assume the lead position at Hatch as principal of the school. Ward was formerly a language and drama teacher at Cuhna Intermediate School.

"It is exciting to welcome Jim Ward back to continue the positive direction," said Bucher. "I know the students are happy. I was on campus today as the first graders came out to lunch recess, and when they saw Mr. Ward, they mobbed him." 

Bucher and Ward plan to address a crowd of parents and staff about the changes at the school's back-to-school night tonight.