Let’s hear it for the Boies

Danette Goulet

NEWPORT BEACH -- Students say he never missed a single tennis match or

football game. Teachers say he reunited them and created a real school

community. Parents say he provided phenomenal leadership and has been a

positive role model for their children.

But when this school year ends, Bob Boies will no longer be the captain

at Newport Harbor High School.

After only three years as principal at Newport Harbor, Boies, 58, will be

retiring to care for his parents, play with his grandsons, travel with

his wife and work on his golf game.

His departure comes a year earlier than he previously expected.

His parents, both in their upper 80s, need his assistance with their

house in Long Beach and their finances to remain living independently.

His wife, who is a teacher in Tustin, will also be retiring this year and

wants his company.

“She’s talked about retiring before, but this time she put the paperwork

in,” he said. “And she’s told me everything she wants to do she needs me

to do with her.”

And so -- just like they did each year before Boies’ career turned to

administration -- the couple will travel to Europe.

While he is excited about the prospect of traveling and spending more

time with loved ones, Boies has his regrets about leaving, especially now

that things are running smoothly at Newport Harbor.

“The most difficult thing is that we have the school where we want it

now,” he said. “It would have been nice to just enjoy it for a year.”

Boies began his 36-year career in education as a history teacher who

coached basketball, tennis, football and track on the side.

And although he is retiring, he won’t completely depart fromworking in

education. Boies will continue to consult school districts on a part-time

basis, beginning with the project of helping the new Newport Harbor

principal to get settled.

The school holds fond memories for Boies. Some of his favorite moments

are the announcement of becoming a California Distinguished School, the

football team’s CIF championship and when student April Ross was named

volleyball player of the year.

But what he will miss the most, Boies said, is the interaction with

teachers and students.

“I will definitely miss the high school environment -- the enthusiasm,”

he said. “That’s why I never wanted a district office job. The fun part

of this job is the students.”

The Newport Harbor students who have known him for years definitely

sensed his love for the job.

“I’m kind of upset because he came to all our tennis matches and he’s

been really supportive,” said senior Audra Adams. “I’m upset that my

sisters won’t have him because I don’t know if his replacement will be as

supportive.”

Billy Clayton, a senior, said he always considered Boies a personal

friend. Clayton said he was sorry he wouldn’t be able to come back after

graduating and visit his old principal.

The students of Newport Harbor are just a portion of the school community

who are sad to see Boies go. Parents, teachers and staff were all

saddened to hear of his imminent departure.

“We’re sad to see him go after such a short tenure,” said Barbara Yeager,

Newport Harbor PTA president. “We feel he made a tremendous impact on our

school.”

Jim Warren, the school’s work experience coordinator and golf coach who

has worked in the district for 33 years, said Boies will leave a hole

that will be tough to fill.

“He leads by example,” Warren said. “He doesn’t hound and demand -- he

stands back and encourages and helps.”

PROFILE

Bob Boies

Age: 59 in July, when he will retire

Raised: Long Beach

Hobby: golf

In education: 36 years

Recent job history:

* Principal, Newport Harbor High School, 3 years

* Principal, Tustin High School, 3 years

* Principal Columbus Tustin Middle School, 4 years