EDITORIAL

On Feb. 5, Corona del Mar High School will lose a pivotal and

influential figure: Principal Don Martin.

It is difficult to sum up a principal’s job: mentor, advisor,

cheerleader, planner. But it is easy to say what Corona del Mar High has

done under his tenure.

The school has been named a California Distinguished School and was

recognized nationally as a Blue Ribbon winner.

Martin not only helped teachers negotiate new state tests, but the

school consistently has scored at the top of the statewide Academic

Performance Index, even when compared with schools with similar

demographics.

And, proving that there’s more to life than just books and essays, the

school’s sports teams have repeatedly triumphed -- whether it be boys’

volleyball, girls’ basketball, boys’ water polo, girls’ tennis, boys’

basketball or girls’ cross-country.

Fortunately for the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, Martin is

not going far.

By mutual agreement, he will pick up a temporary position in the

administrative office. He’ll offer his experience to help the district

align the high school curriculum with new state standards and prepare

staff and students for new high school exit exams.

Although the job is temporary, Martin says he plans to work hard to

make the position indispensable. There is little doubt he will, much as

he has made Corona del Mar High one of the jewels and selling points of

Newport Beach.

At a time when good principals are at a premium and there is a

shortage of them across the country, Martin has proven his worth.

Good job, Principal Martin. And good luck in the administrative halls.