Altimira Middle School Principal Deeths took the school community by surprise in early July when he resigned to take a job near his home in Sebastopol as principal of Hillcrest Middle School.
Last Friday, July 20, the Sonoma Valley Unified School district announced its pick to replace him.
And, after opening the search to all internal candidates, they quickly selected Deeths' second in command.
Christina Waters (Towner) has been named Altimira's interim principal, effective July 24.
Waters, until recently known as Chrissy Towner, has had a big summer, having been both married and promoted in the past month.
She has been with Altimira since 2009. She was hired as a teacher then promoted to vice principal in 2014; first as interim, then part-time and more recently fulltime.
'We are excited that Mrs. Waters will be able to successfully continue the school culture that she and the Altimira faculty and staff have developed over the years to meet the needs of students,' said district HR Director Jonathan Ferrer in the press release announcing the appointment. 'She has firsthand knowledge of Altimira's students, parents and staff that will allow a smooth transition, given this time of the year.'
Ferrer added that due to the timing of the appointment, Waters and the district have agreed on the title of interim principal with the intent to transition her to the title of principal.
The salary range for a middle school principal in SVUSD is $96,995.35 to $111,977.39, according to Ferrer. Waters will be paid $101,153.67. Deeths left the district at $111.977.39.
When reached for comment about the announcement of his replacement, Deeths was overjoyed.
'As one of Altimira's longest tenured staff members, and someone who truly understands the culture of the school, there's no one better suited and better prepared for the job than Chrissy,' Deeths said.
Waters received her B.A. as well as her multiple subject teaching credential and mild/moderate special education credentials from Sonoma State University. During her time at Altimira she pursued and received her California administrative services credential.
'These are some really big shoes to fill,' said Waters about Deeths. 'I am excited and really honored to be leading such a wonderful school.'
Contact Lorna at lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com.
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