Heschel names new headmaster

WELCOME- Tami Weiser works with children at Heschel West. Weiser took charge of the Jewish day school on Feb. 11.

Oak Park resident Tami Weiser began duties Feb. 11 as the new Head of School at Heschel West.

The Jewish day school east of Agoura Hills said Weiser's hiring resulted from a nationwide search.

Weiser was formerly the principal at Palisades Elementary School, which became a California Distinguished School in 2006 under her leadership.

She also was the assistant principal at Hamlin Elementary School in Canoga Park.

"I became a principal because I realized that I can have a great influence on many kids, their parents, teachers and a community," Weiser said. The Heschel post appealed to her because she said it was in her own community.

The school recently received approval from Los Angeles County to expand operations. Weiser hopes to direct the school's growth.

"We can make our current school continue to be fantastic and at the same time grow the school to be bigger," Weiser said.

Weiser is married and has two children, a 17-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son.