New Principal Assigned to Don Juan Elementary

Don Juan Avila Elementary School announced Friday that Pam Watkins, the former executive director of elementary schools and early childhood programs, will take on a new role as principal.

Watkins’ district-level position, which came with a salary of $143,000, was eliminated during recent budget cuts. She will be taking the place of Shawn Lohman, who has been reassigned to another position.

“Mrs. Watkins is a highly respected and experienced administrator and educator,” Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Joe Farley said in a press release. “The Don Juan Avila Elementary School community will find her to be a knowledgeable and likable school leader who will do extraordinary work with the students, parents, and staff.”

In her executive director position Watkins supervised 37 elementary schools and played a part in the development of the district’s Transitional Kindergarten program.