Photo obtained via http://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/

Erin Wheeler Gutfreund has announced that she is leaving her post as Clairemont Elementary’s principal and moving with her husband to Brooklyn, N.Y.

Under her leadership, Clairemont was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

“It is with a very heavy heart I share with you that I will not be returning next school year,” the principal said in an email to parents. “It is an incredibly bittersweet situation for our family. My husband, Ronny, has been offered an unbelievable opportunity with Capitol Records, and this opportunity requires our family to move to Brooklyn, NY this summer. Leaving Clairemont students, staff and families is not something I was fully prepared to do or even considered at this juncture, however after a lot of discussion, reflection and processing, Ronny, Jack and I believe this opportunity is our family’s next adventure.”

Gutfreund said she would remain at the school through June. Here is her full email announcing her decision:

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Good afternoon, Clairemont families. It is with a very heavy heart I share with you that I will not be returning next school year. It is an incredibly bittersweet situation for our family. My husband, Ronny, has been offered an unbelievable opportunity with Capitol Records, and this opportunity requires our family to move to Brooklyn, NY this summer. Leaving Clairemont students, staff and families is not something I was fully prepared to do or even considered at this juncture, however after a lot of discussion, reflection and processing, Ronny, Jack and I believe this opportunity is our family’s next adventure.  Although it is incredibly sad to leave our families, friends and CL community, we feel at peace with this next step.

I can’t begin to express the depth of pride and respect I have for this community, and the work we have accomplished together for our students. Over the course of the next few months, I hope to find just the right words to express my gratitude to you. The CL community has been a tremendous support to not only the CL staff but to me personally. You celebrated my marriage to Ronny and arrival of Jack. But most importantly, you have invested in a vision for our school that is supportive and creates a successful path for all students.

I have learned a tremendous amount from our community, but most specifically from our students. Our kids have become fearless in their learning, and their openness to taking risks with their learning is quite remarkable. They demonstrate a high level of perseverance every day. We regularly teach our students the importance of perseverance and risk taking, and now it’s my turn to practice that same advice.

Clairemont Elementary is a remarkable school community. The CL staff is the strongest I’ve ever had the privilege to work with and for, and I’m confident CL will continue to grow and flourish, always keeping students at the center.

The staff was informed of this decision today at huddle up. Additionally, Dr. Dude will be taking the next steps to ensure Clairemont is supported through bringing on their next leader. Finally, I will be here atClairemont through June to ensure there is a smooth and seamless transition.

Thank you for your support.

Erin (Wheeler) Gutfreund