2 Murrieta High Schools, 1 Middle School Hiring New Principals

MURRIETA, CA — Murrieta Valley High School, Vista Murrieta High School, and Thompson Middle School each have vacancies for the position of principal for the 2021-22 school year, the Murrieta Valley Unified School District announced Thursday.

MVHS Principal Dr. Mark Pettengill has announced his retirement after 38 years in education; VMHS Principal Mick Wager will be taking an opportunity to serve all MVUSD students; and Thompson Middle School Principal Kerry Cody has decided to step back into the classroom, according to the district statement.

All three principals will remain through the end of the current school year, the district reported.

The job candidacy period will open in April and close later in the month. The screening and interview process will extend into May, with board approvals expected that same month, the district reported. Job opportunities in the district are posted at www.edjoin.org/mvusd.

"The District prides itself on implementing an inclusive recruitment process where community stakeholders, the school community, and school staff have an opportunity to participate in the selection process. This process allows the District to promote high-level community and educational leaders who share the District goals and priority of placing students first," according to the district statement from MVUSD Superintendent Patrick Kelley.

More about the principals

MVHS's Dr. Mark Pettengill came to the district 14 years ago and has been a Nighthawk for 10 of those years.

“It is with great sadness that I leave my Murrieta family and my Nighthawk family," Pettengill said. "My retirement date will be June 11th. I count so many of you as friends. We have accomplished so much together on this campus for students. I have been honored to work with some of the most selfless and driven people that I know.”

Superintendent Kelley praised the Nighthawk principal.

“In these 14 years that I have known Dr. P., I can say there is not a more talented leader I have worked alongside. He has been incredible in every role and I wish him the best in his retirement,” Kelley said.

During Pettingill's tenure, MVHS was named a California Distinguished School, earned a four-year comprehensive high school full accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and expanded specialty programs for students such as International Baccalaureate, JROTC-Marines, Virtual Enterprise, and several award-winning athletic and co-curriculars, the district said.

"Mark continuously focused on student learning and was instrumental in bringing Riverside County’s first and only Fire Science Pathway for students interested in Career Technical Education (CTE)," the district statement read.

After serving 19 years as a secondary administrator for MVUSD, VMHS's Mick Wager will be taking an opportunity to serve all students, TK-12, in the district, although further details about his future role were not immediately available.

After eight years as VMHS principal, Wager will leave his current position at the end of the school year, according to the district.

Under his leadership, VMHS completed a six-year high school accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges; added a Career Technical and Education building; increased course participation in AP and Dual Enrollment; and strengthened Vista’s reputation as one of "America’s Most Spirited High Schools," the district statement read.

“Being a Bronco is not just a job, it is a way of life," Wager said. "It certainly has been for me, having proudly watched all three of my children graduate from VMHS. I have made lifelong friends who I love, and I have enjoyed getting to know each of you. I am excited to jump into my new role and serve our district students.”

“Mick has been an excellent administrator for students in grades 6-12 for 19 years," Kelley said. "His compassionate leadership has made Vista one of the most accomplished high schools in Riverside County. Mick is passionate about students. His experience in prioritizing students and addressing the needs of diverse student bodies will be an asset to all students in Murrieta.”

Thompson Middle School Principal Kerry Cody has decided to return to her first love in education — the classroom — and will be leaving her current position at the end of the 2020-21 school year, the district said.

Cody joined MVUSD in 2016 as assistant principal for Thompson and was then promoted.

"In her roles, she has excelled as a versatile leader focused on motivating teachers to implement effective and engaging instructional strategies which lead to increased student support and
achievement," according to the district statement.

Cody is "a phenomenal educator," Kelley said.

"Her ability to switch roles at Thompson from an administrator to a teacher in the classroom speaks volumes about her passion for the community she serves," the superintendent continued. "Ms. Cody is a true professional and I look forward to her return as an administrator in Murrieta when she is ready.”

Cody explained her thought process. “After much prayer and reflection, I have decided to step away from administration and resign from my position as the Principal of Thompson Middle School at the end of the year and to return the classroom for the 21/22 school year," she said. "This was not an easy decision for me for so many reasons, but it is one that I am confident is the right choice for me and my family at this time."