OPHS assistant principal moves on

By Daniel Wolowicz Danielw@theacorn.com

Pam Magee, the assistant principal at Oak Park High School, recently accepted the principal position at Culver City High School. Her new job starts in July.

Magee followed Principal Lynn McCormack to Oak Park from Mira Costa High School last year, where Magee had been the assistant principal for three years. Magee worked with McCormack for a total of seven years at the Manhattan Beach high school.

"Working at Oak Park has been a wonderful experience," Magee said. "It’s an amazing district with a great community of supportive, active parents. Both the staff and administration here are really great."

Magee leaves Oak Park on a high note as the high school was again named a California Distinguished School. Culver City High School also was named a distinguished school, and both staffs will accept their awards in late May at a ceremony hosted by Disneyland.

Oak Park has begun looking for Magee’s replacement and school officials plan to have one before school starts next year.

Magee said she is making the move because it is an opportunity to establish her own curriculum at a high school. She also favors the shortened commute from her Santa Monica home.

"I’ve had a chance to meet with some of the staff and students at Culver City," Magee said. "They are really great, very similar to the staff and students here."

A native of Mississippi, Magee came to California after teaching for nine years in Atlanta, Georgia. She has been in education for over 17 years and holds masters in English and Education Administration.

Magee said the biggest challenge for administrators at any California school is dealing with the statewide budget cutbacks. She said it is critical for teachers and administrators to be both politically active and aware when it comes to educational issues.

When not spending long hours at the high school, Magee said she enjoys running and going to the gym.

"We’re all sad Pam has to leave, but everyone knows she is ready for her own principalship," McCormack said. "Culver City will only be stronger now that Pam is joining them."