EDITORIAL:

This past week we said goodbye to two top educators and welcomed a new one.

Sadly, in Ken Yglesias’ case, his resignation as the Coast Community College District chancellor came as he was under the cloud of a cryptic investigation.

Yglesias had been under fire for months as district officials investigated unspecified allegations against him, but he agreed to a settlement that allowed him to retire June 30 and receive his usual salary of $20,250 a month without acting as chancellor. He also gets lifetime health benefits for himself and his wife and an extra year of credit toward his retirement.

Meanwhile, all we really know about the circumstances of his exit is that the investigations yielded no evidence of fraud or criminal conduct. And the district will let it go now. That’s probably for the best. At least it didn’t devolve into a messy and expensive lawsuit.

Orange Coast College President Bob Dees also retired, but on his own terms. Dees leaves behind quite a legacy with the $33-million campus library, a new fitness complex and a four-story, glass administration building during his four-year stint. In all, he gave 30 years to OCC.

His colleagues rained praise on him as someone who was tireless, personable and put teaching ahead of administrative duties. He said he plans to devote more time to work on a few books about his hobbies such as bird watching and shell collecting. We wish him nothing but the best.

Then there’s Kevin Rafferty, the new principal of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s new science- and technology-focused magnet school.

Luckily for us, he has a lot experience starting new schools. He was the founding principal of Oak Grove Elementary School and Chaparral Elementary School in Ladera Ranch.

Some interesting tidbits about him: He’s a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan and he’s a top-ranked table hockey player. Not sure how that will help him in his new job, but we figure he’s got to be an eternal optimist and he’s still a kid at heart. Both characteristics should come in handy.

Good luck, Principal Rafferty!