Editorial

It’s not easy stepping in during a transitional period. It’s harder

still to smooth things over. And ultimately, it is most difficult to let

go.

Bob Boies took over the helm at Newport Harbor High School in the fall

of 1997. It was an in-between time -- the former principal after just two

years abruptly left for an administrative position in another district,

leaving the school without leadership for half a year.

Boies reached out to students -- and gained their respect and their

friendship. He became a figure unlike the typical principal. As one

Newport Harbor student put it, none of the teens called Boies by snide

nicknames behind his back.

He reportedly never missed a football game.

He left his mark on the school community, embracing parent involvement

and teacher input.

His enthusiasm spread to the teachers who work for him; nearly 40% of

Newport Harbor’s energetic educators were brought on board by Boies.

And he set goals. In a May 1997 article announcing his hire, Boies

said he hoped to make Newport Harbor a California Distinguished School

and to win a National Blue Ribbon award.

“Newport Harbor is already a great school, I only hope to make it

better,” he said then.

Last year, the school accomplished Boies’ first objective. And it is

in the final stages of meeting his second goal -- the Blue Ribbon winners

are expected to be announced soon.

Those are the types of accomplishments that the community will

remember after Boies retires at the end of this school year.

But it will be his outgoing nature and his open smile that we will all

miss.