October 4, 2005

CUSD’s Forest Hill welcomes new Principal

By Candy Richter
Staff Writer

On Sept. 27, The Campbell Union School Board approved the appointment of Lani Potts to the post of principal at Forest Hill. Potts, a veteran of the Campbell district, will step into her new role on Oct. 17, upon the departure of the school’s current administrator, Maria Wetzel.

Lani Potts

Although most of Potts’s years at CUSD have been in the classroom, during the past four years she has been both the district’s GATE Coordinator and a Peer Support Provider, which offers valuable mentoring for new teachers. She is currently centered at Campbell Middle School as PSP until her transitioning into her new role in mid-October.

Ironically, Potts was finishing up the second year of her Masters program at San Jose State University for her administrative credential, and had been involved in the district’s own leadership training program when the opportunity at Forest Hill became available.

“We believe in the talent we have in our district,” said CUSD Superintendent Johanna VanderMolen. “We also believe in growing those people for future leaders. [Lani] is a huge proponent of differentiated instruction, has been a Peer Support Provider for the district, a strong coach and she is part of that community – it is a natural fit.”

Per district policy, if a qualified candidate within the district is available, then the administrative position is appointed rather than posted on the open job market. In Lani Potts, both the district and outgoing principal Wetzel feel that the candidate is well suited to the post.

“Lani is a fabulous choice,” said Wetzel. “This was a really difficult decision for me to make. Forest Hill is a wonderful school. The parents and teachers are so willing to give of themselves for the success of the students, I will miss everyone. We all worked together so beautifully.”

For Potts, this is appointment has brought her life full-circle. “This is a real gift. To be able to become principal of a school that I have supported and loved – my own children went to school here, and four of their teachers are still here. This is my own community.”

Potts emphasized that her goal was to continue the success that Wetzel and the Forest Hill faculty have worked to establish and grow.

“Forest Hill is a very positive community with a strong PTA and dedicated teachers,” said Potts. “It is an honor and privilege to be able to go back to the school in this capacity.”