By Dana Sternthal
Staff Writer
Mira Costa’s two new vice principals, Deborah Hofreiter and Ian Drummond, were chosen to bring their fresh outlook and previous experience to campus.
Drummond and Hofreiter were originally chosen by a committee that included Mira Costa administrators, along with other students and parents. Drummond was announced as the new Vice Principal on June 6, and Hofreiter was chosen in August 2012.
“They were chosen because they know the school and the community,” Principal Dr. Ben Dale said. “They had experience and had taught here before.”
Drummond taught English at Mira Costa for 10 years prior to becoming the new vice principal. During that time he coached varsity soccer and taught Advancement Via Individual Determination classes. AVID was a college readiness program at Costa that is used in high schools nationwide. For the past three years, he was the vice principal at Culver City High School.
“Being an administrator for a total of four years will definitely be of value to me now,” Drummond said. “I know and understand what is expected of me as an administrator. But working as a teacher for 15 years was a great experience for me, and it lets me relate to the teachers now because I know what it is like to work with students in a classroom.”
Drummond worked at Culver City High School when former Vice Principal Paula Hart decided to return to the classroom and to teach science at MBMS. When the District sought out the position of vice principal, Drummond decided to apply.
“Mira Costa is an amazing school, and it was very appealing to be a part of,” Drummond said. “I had already done everything to do at Culver City High School, and the duties and environment here were different.”
According to Drummond, his main concerns as a vice principal are bringing Costa education into the 21st century through the use of technology and using alternative teaching methods. He will also work with the Athletic Department. In addition, Drummond oversees the Foreign Language Department and teacher evaluations throughout the school year.
“21st century education is a big part of my job,” Drummond said. “Determining how iPads will be incorporated in education is a main concern, as well as anything else progressive.”
Hofreiter was a reading specialist, English teacher, English co-chair and AVID coordinator during her time spent at Costa. Prior to working at the District office, she was involved with a writers’ workshop program from Columbia University. Hofreiter was selected as a replacement for former Vice Principal Jennie Wright.
“For most of my career, I thought being vice principal was the worst job,” Hofreiter said. “Then I took an administrative class which showed me how administrators can have an impact on students.”
One of Hofreiter’s main priorities is helping the Special Education program with expanding how it can be improved.
“I pursued a Masters degree in Special Education [at Mount St Mary’s College] because I wanted to make a difference in students’ lives,” Hofreiter said.
In addition, Hofreiter collaborates with Activities Director Lisa Claypoole for oversight of campus events and the library.
“One of the most important things is publicity,” Hofreiter said. “My job is to maintain the school’s website and school Twitter account.”
The administration is confident that Drummond and Hofreiter will be a good fit for Costa. Dale feels their prior experience as administrators, their community awareness, and their good senses of humor will guarantee success.
“They are funny and good-natured people,” Dale said. “They have good attitudes, effervescence and positivity. Everything else we will be able to work out.”
Leave a Reply