The Dec. 14 Solana Beach School District board meeting marked the last for Superintendent Jodee Brentlinger, who is retiring after 35 years in public education.
At the meeting, the board shared its gratitude for her leadership over the last five and half years, guiding schools through the pandemic, strengthening systems, and establishing stronger communications with the teachers’ union.
But Brentlinger was most praised for her student-centered way, the joy everyone witnessed whenever she was in a classroom, sitting with students criss cross applesauce and how she could remember every kid’s name within about three seconds.
“She’s constantly telling us what a great board we are… but the way we have a fantastic board is first by having a fantastic superintendent. Jodee has been the finest superintendent we could possibly have,” said board Vice President Dana King. “She has steadied the institution, moved us forward, brought us into a strong financial position and developed incredible connectivity with the kids… Ultimately, I just think we are the luckiest school district in the state of California and the United States to have Superintendent Jodee Brentlinger for the years that we’ve had her.”
In her remarks, Trustee Julie Union borrowed a quote from C.S. Lewis: “‘Children are not a distraction for more important work, they are the most important work’. Knowing about your long career in education and seeing you in action at Solana Beach, it is obvious that you believe children are the most important work.”
Brentlinger is a San Diego State product and the board brought her back to San Diego from the Ocean View School District in Huntington Beach with her hiring in 2018. She began her career as an elementary and middle school teacher in the Capistrano Unified School District; at Ocean View, she had served as an assistant superintendent for educational services.
Brentlinger was emotional in her remarks and as she ticked off all the lasts in a long career in public education—her last school board meeting, her last read-aloud with students scheduled for the following week, and finally, her last official day: Jan. 2, 2024. Brentlnger, who has been living apart from her husband and family for the last five and half years, is looking forward to being able to spend more time with them. She plans to transition to a completely different way of life than she’s known as the family operates Challis Creek Ranch, a horse boarding facility with equine retirement pastures in Idaho.
In her 14 years as a senior cabinet member and superintendent, Brentlinger has worked with 11 different school boards and, like King pointed out, she does think that the Solana Beach board was the best.
“No matter the challenge before you, your north star always remains student wellbeing,” Brentlinger said. “It has been such a rewarding experience and one I will forever cherish. The incoming superintendent is beyond fortunate to join your governance team.”
Last year Brentlinger spearheaded the crafting of a new mission and vision statement for the district, what President Debra Schade called “a common language about what we do and our aspirations for each student.” The mission states that the district is “Where learners find their voice, share their strength and advance the world” and its vision is “Inspiring wonder and discovery in learning and life.”
Thanks to donations, the mission and vision statements have been printed up large and will be hung in all of the schools’ main offices, a small piece of Brentlinger’s legacy.
“Your shoes are going to be hard to fill,” Schade said. “You have led with your heart and we are so grateful you chose to share your gifts and talents with us. Happy trails.”
The district’s search for the one who will fill Brenlinger’s shoes is currently in progress—on Dec, 5, the board approved a leadership profile prepared by search firm Education Support Services (ESS) with input from an online survey and group sessions. ESS also recently placed Superintendent Anne Staffieri in the San Dieguito Union High School District.
The wish list of characteristics of the new superintendent include “an authentic interpersonal style,” a person who can bring employees together in support of the entire district, someone who is accessible, a strategic planner and a leader who can walk into any classroom ready to support students and staff.
First interviews of the candidates are expected to be held on Jan. 13.
The last board meeting of the year was also the time to select board officers for the coming year. At the meeting, Schade put forward a slate that would retain the current officers in the interest of stability. She will remain as president, King will stay as vice president, and Gaylin Allbaugh as clerk.
Union has made it public that after 12 years serving on the board, 2024 will be her last year: “I want to finish strong,” Union said, adding that she will support the board leadership in any way she can.
