New principal coming to Brookside

by Stephanie BertholdoBertholdo@theacorn.com

Debbie Burgher Having been a “shared” assistant principal at three elementary schools in the Las Virgenes Unified School District, Debbie Burgher is happy that she can finally devote herself to just one school. As the new principal of Brookside Elementary School in Oak Park, she kicked off her summer by visiting the school and getting acquainted with the campus and the staff.

Before Burgher sets any lofty goals in her new position, she plans on getting to know the students, parents and faculty. She compared the transition of moving to a new school to moving into a new house. “You don’t paint the house until you get a feel for the house in all of its seasons,” she said.

She said once she gets to know the school and faculty, they’ll collaborate on goals for the 2005/2006 school year. “I want to be sensitive to the culture (of the school),” she said.

Burgher was a traveling assistant principal for three Calabasas schools in the Las Virgenes district—Lupin Hill Elementary, Bay Laurel Elementary and Chaparral Elementary—before accepting the top job at Brookside.

“I had lots of kids to give hugs and say goodbye to,” Burgher said.

A hands-on principal, Burgher developed an affinity for children during her 13 years as a teacher at White Oak Elementary School in Westlake Village.

Four of those years were spent as “teacher in charge,” which she said is similar in responsibilities as an assistant principal, including coordination of curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grade.

In Las Virgenes, Burgher expanded her knowledge by working on several task forces. She was an instrumental member of the bullying task force and also served on the district health task force and several curriculum committees.

“It’s so neat to work with the entire family,” Burgher said of the shift from teacher to assistant principal and now principal.

“As a teacher, your main focus is the student, but as an administrator, you work with the whole family. Some (families) have had difficult circumstances, and I’ve been able to help them and guide them. That’s been pretty satisfying,” she said.

Burgher completed her undergraduate studies and master’s degree in educational administration at CSUN.

A native Californian, Burgher lives in Agoura Hills with her husband. They have three grown children. Burgher’s twin daughters followed in their mother’s footsteps and works as teachers in the LVUSD.

When she’s not delving into an educational issue for the good of a school or helping a family work out a problem, Burgher said she loves to play cards.

“I’m a passionate bridge player,” she said, and added that she loves to garden and is an avid reader. “I’m a horrible golf player but I do enjoy it,” she said.

Burgher plans on hosting a special meeting with parents at the beginning of the year to hear their thoughts on a variety of educational issues.