The Rancho Santa Fe School District has returned to a two-principal leadership structure. At the July 23 meeting, the board approved the positions of elementary school principal/director of curriculum and instruction; and middle school principal/director of curriculum and instruction. Joe Erpelding will move from K-8 principal to elementary school principal and longtime Rowe teacher Lindsey Conley will be returning to the district to serve in the middle school leadership role.
“We could not be more excited than to welcome Lindsey Conley back to Roger Rowe. We have responded to our students, parents, and teachers who expressed their wishes to have a dedicated middle school principal,” said board President Annette Ross. “Over the years, we have debated and discussed the idea of a one-principal school versus a two-principal school. As we look at the needs of middle school students today and the complex world they navigate we have decided a dedicated middle school principal will best prepare our students for high school.”
Conley brings 26 years of experience as a public school educator—she started her career teaching elementary school in Sacramento and later moved to San Diego where she earned her master’s degree in language and literacy from San Diego State University.
“After spending 17 years at Rowe as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and literacy coach, I have developed a deep understanding of the district’s values and goals. I hope to leverage my background to support student success and foster an environment of continuous learning and growth,” Conley said. “The district’s reputation for educational excellence and its robust and supportive community make it an ideal place for me to contribute and make a meaningful impact.”
Conley said she spent her “formative years” at Rowe, preparing her to accept the position of principal of Solana Highlands Elementary School in the Solana Beach School District in 2021. She previously worked with new superintendent Kim Pinkerton.
“Returning to the district, which has been a significant part of my career, is incredibly exciting. I am thrilled about the opportunity to work with former colleagues and new staff members to drive innovation in curriculum and instruction, which is something I am passionate about,” Conley said. “I am also looking forward to engaging with students and families to build on our strong foundation and make a positive impact on their educational experiences.”
“Middle school is a critical time in students’ academic and personal development. My approach will focus on creating a supportive environment that addresses our students’ unique needs,” Conley continued. “By creating a solid support system and offering various growth opportunities, we can help our students succeed academically and personally.”
Bari Fox will continue as assistant principal, a position she has held since December—she will also serve as the school’s athletic director.
At the meeting, the board also approved an amended salary schedule for the administrative positions. The elementary and middle school principal/director of curriculum and instruction start at $158,381. The assistant principal salary schedule starts at $105,366.
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