Lisa Lansdale, an educator known for her dedication over a nearly five-decade career in Alaska, has made the significant move to California to assume the role of principal at Aptos High School.
This new venture for Lansdale comes after she spent most of her 52 years in Alaska, where the challenging winter months brought minimal daylight, often leaving her feeling drained.
“After finishing a bunch of winters in the dark, starting work in the dark and going home in the dark, it was just getting to me,” she reflected.
With her children now adults, Lansdale sought a fresh start under sunnier skies.
Stepping into her role on July 1, just weeks before the school year commenced on August 13, Lansdale is charged with the important responsibility of overseeing around 1,274 students at Aptos High, managing daily operations, and providing support to teachers and staff.
The school has faced numerous hurdles in recent years, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, a tragic incident in 2021 involving the fatal stabbing of a student on campus, and budgetary cuts that have affected the district.
Aptos High is in the process of recovery following the abrupt departure of former principal Alison Hanks-Sloan, which stirred mixed emotions among parents and educators.
While the district announced Hanks-Sloan’s resignation, her father indicated that the decision to leave was not voluntary.
In a recent interview, Hanks-Sloan confirmed that she was reassigned before ultimately resigning to take on a new role as director of curriculum and instruction with the Salinas Union High School District.
Lansdale expressed her excitement about working collaboratively with leaders who prioritize integrity and student welfare.
Brandon Diniz, the president of the teachers union, noted a sense of cautious optimism among staff regarding Lansdale’s leadership after the challenges faced under Hanks-Sloan.
“People are really wanting to see a strong start to the year,” Diniz stated, highlighting the apprehension that still lingers.
In an effort to assure the community, Lansdale emphasized her collaborative approach, aiming to build upon existing frameworks rather than enforce sweeping changes.
“I’m not coming here trying to make massive changes,” she remarked.
Instead, she is seeking to infuse a spirit of joy into the school environment.
This was vividly demonstrated early in the school year when Lansdale and her staff dressed as characters from the animated film “Minions” to engage students, with Lansdale portraying the villain Scarlet Overkill.
“We had a little skit, and the kids enjoyed it,” she shared.
The primary goal, according to Lansdale, is to make Aptos High a safe and enjoyable space for every student.
Lansdale’s extensive background in education includes working at the Anchorage School District from 1991 to 2021 in various capacities, such as teacher, assistant principal, and principal.
Her last position before relocating was as the K-12 Raven Homeschool coordinator for the Yukon-Koyukuk School District.
Lansdale is also navigating a personal transition, as she and her husband, Rob, adapt to life in California following their drastic relocation.
They found a rental home on a 1-acre lot in Royal Oaks, chosen for its spaciousness reminiscent of Alaska, with various farm animals in the area encapsulating that rural feel.
“At night I can hear the cows,” she said, expressing contentment with their new surroundings.
However, the move has not been without its challenges.
Lansdale commented on the surprising financial adjustment required for California’s taxes, as Alaska does not impose a state income or sales tax.
“I told my husband we did not plan for tax as a budget line item,” she remarked candidly about their unexpected expenses.
This transition includes acquiring new furniture and other necessities, requiring them to adjust their budgeting in a state with different financial obligations.
Notably, the couple brought along fishing gear and dirt bikes—two hobbies they are eager to explore in their new setting.
As the new principal, Lansdale remains focused on her duties at the school, making it a priority to learn about the campus and community.
She is carefully reviewing existing safety measures to ensure they are fully functional and effective.
“Every year, the safety plan is reviewed and updated, so there’s always room for improvement,” she explained.
One of her initiatives is to ensure that each building on the campus is equipped with a medical kit, and to clarify staff protocols for emergency responses.
The importance of these safety measures is magnified by her past experience during a significant earthquake in Anchorage, where she was responsible for disaster response.
“It took almost 16 hours for a parent to get to their kid,” she recalled of that incident.
Lansdale understands that in times of crisis, parents are concerned for their children’s safety and need to know they can be reunited swiftly.
Citing the critical need for organization during emergencies, she emphasized her commitment to being a steady and reassuring presence for both students and families during uncertain situations.
With Lansdale’s commitment to fostering a positive environment at Aptos High School, it seems poised to embrace a new chapter of leadership and growth.
image source from：lookout
