The spirit of Huntington Beach

Mike Sciacca

From poodle skirts to miniskirts, Scott Flanagan saw it all as an

educator in the Huntington Beach Union High School District. Flanagan, a

man who gave outstanding service to the district, died from complications

following a stroke on Sept. 10 at the age of 86.

Flanagan spent 27 years with the high school district, first as a

teacher, then as principal at Huntington Beach High School, before

retiring in 1976 as assistant superintendent of the district.

In those 27 years, Flanagan oversaw numerous projects, including the

building of five new high schools: Westminster, Marina, Fountain Valley,

Edison and Ocean View high schools. He also supervised the construction

of facilities for the severely handicapped, the Guidance Center and the

Wintersburg continuation school. He conceived of the evening high school

concept and made it a reality at Wintersburg.

Flanagan’s greatest impact was as the chief personnel officer for the

district, said Marie Otto, a friend and co-worker of Flanagans. For many

years, nearly every certified staff member who worked for the district

had been hired by Flanagan.

Including Otto, who first was hired as a district psychologist, and

later became superintendent of the district in 1984.

“People who knew Scott often remarked what a good man he was,” said

Otto, who became Flanagan’s traveling companion following the death of

his wife, Marjorie, in 1994. “He made friends easily and could strike up

a conversation with a fence post. He was equally at ease with

superintendents and Chinese peasants. He was held in high esteem and

great respect by all. His spirit was truly the spirit of Huntington

Beach.”

Flanagan, a 50-year resident of Huntington Beach, also is survived by

his daughter, Kerry, son, Scott, daughter-in-law, Judy and grandsons,

Doug and Jack.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to

the Huntington Beach Community Center.