Dave Jackson bids farewell to Calabasas High
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

STEPHANIE BERTHOLDO/Acorn Newspapers NOW HE CAN ENJOY BASEBALL- Dave Jackson, principal at Calabasas High School, expects to attend Dodger baseball games during daytime hours now that he's chosen to retire early.

Dave Jackson is leaving his principal's post at Calabasas High School- but not because of health issues or because he's accepted a job in another school district.

Jackson said the rumor about his health spread after he had minor surgery for a hernia; others thought he might have taken another job outside of Las Virgenes. Apparently people assumed there had to be a good reason to leave the school since not many people are able to retire at the age of 57.

Jackson believes he's leaving for a very good reason. "I do not want to work 75 to 80 hours per week anymore," Jackson explained. "I love my job, love my kids, love my staff- I have one of the best PFCs (Parent Faculty Club) you'd ever want. The board of education has been wonderful- I just don't want to work (so many hours) to meet the goals."

If Jackson were willing to settle for less he'd be able to cut down his working hours from, say, 80 hours per week to maybe 60, but he's not that kind of guy. He believes shortened hours would lead the school down the path of mediocrity, a road he is unwilling to take.

Shirl Humes, school office manager, said Jackson has pulled the school together. "I've worked for eight principals, and he's been my favorite," Humes said. She said he always bases his decisions on what's in the best interest of the students.

Since he took the helm at Calabasas two years ago, Jackson has had a tremendous impact on the school, from the morale of students, teachers and staff workers to raising test scores and seeing Calabasas recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. The feat places the school among the top 3 percent nationwide.

Under Jackson's watch, the school raised its Academic Performance Index scores, a statewide ranking based on test scores from the previous year, to the highest level to date- 833. Of the 647 advanced placement tests taken by students, 84 percent were passed, an achievement Jackson attributes to the teaching staff.

Under Jackson's leadership the school was recently accredited for the greatest length of time by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Not only was Calabasas granted a six year accreditation, the usual three-year review was waived. Jackson said the "Six Year Clear" accreditation is the highest available from the commission.

Other long-term goals reached over the last two years include the completion of the P.E. field, paid for by Measure G funds, a new $60,000 lunch shelter paid for by the PFC, a math tutorial and a new crosswalk, which has effectively stopped the backup of traffic leaving the school. The artificial turf allows about 1,000 students to play sports on the longawaited field.

So what will Jackson do with so much time on his hands? He said he is looking forward to going to a Dodger game during the day, traveling with his wife, Karen, perhaps trying his hand again in the private sector of business- but only part time.

"I'm not looking for a job," Jackson said. "I'm very lucky I'm financially able to do what I want to do."

Heather Heukrodt, a 12thgrader and president of the Associated Study Body, said Jackson has brought unity to the school. "The support system is so much better now," she said.

"If you ever have a problem you can always talk to Mr. Jackson," said Priscilla Wagner, another senior at the school.