Tearful parting for Daem

The Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education honored Superintendent Theresa Daem for her nine years of service to the district at its June 26 meeting.

Daem will be succeeded this summer by Robert Fraisse, who was in attendance at the meeting. The board told him he had some tall, spiky shoes to fill.

Many tearful district employees and parents honored Daem’s steadfastness, coming to the board meeting just to tell her in person what her service meant to them.

.

Board President Betsy Jenkins read a resolution honoring Daem’s tireless dedication and leadership.

Daem received an unexpected standing ovation, and stood holding a plaque and a massive bouquet of flowers as admirer after admirer sung her praises.

She tried hard not to cry, although everyone around her didn’t hide their tears.

“Superintendents don’t do that,” she said with a smile.

Daem, who will marry soon after leaving the district, plans to relax “somewhere in Europe” “” considered a much-deserved vacation for a key figure in the district’s turnaround following a budget crisis in 2003.

“It was quite an accomplishment,” former board member Bob Whalen said of the transformation. “I was pleased to be a part of that.”

Daem battled breast cancer and suffered the loss of close friend and colleague K Turner in recent years, but never reduced her level of commitment.

All four schools have been renovated following an innovative bond measure, largely crafted by Daem.

She worked nights, weekends and holidays to see the measure through, as district employees couldn’t work on it during work hours, board member Theresa O’Hare said.

“It was a true dedication to make these schools a better place,” O’Hare said.

Daem’s hand was evident in the creation of the Quest For Excellence initiative, which offers support to kids, and the development of Professional Learning Communities, which gather staff together in pursuit of that goal.

Teacher Sean Mehegan spoke of how the program has benefited the students by creating common goals and framework for the staff.

Daem also worked as district negotiator, working directly with the three employee organizations “” a rare trait among superintendents, the board said.

Board member Jan Vickers spoke of Daem’s inclusionary, open-door policy.

“I have learned a lot from you,” she said. “I have grown as a board member and as a person.”

Teacher Linda Barker said she has not known a “finer, more intelligent” superintendent.

“Each teacher feels that they know you personally,” Barker said. “That means a lot.”

“It was a very trustful, productive relationship,” teacher Dave Dixon said.

“What we know is that you’re always invested in our success,” said Assistant Superintendent Nancy Hubbell .

Teacher Carol Nelson said Daem clearly held the teachers and students in high regard, and that she didn’t let personal goals interfere with what was best for the students.

“It’s just so sad to see you go. We are really, truly going to miss you,” said high school librarian Lillian Johnson.