Idyllwild School interim approved as new principal

Shool District (HUSD) Board of Trustees approved Idyllwild School Interim Principal Tim Poseley as new principal Tuesday, Sept. 13. An email to Idyllwild School parents announced, “We are thrilled to announce that after completing the interview process at last night’s board meeting, action was taken to approve Tim Poseley as the Principal of Idyllwild School TK-8. We welcome Mr. Poseley and are excited to have him officially join the Idyllwild team.

“As many of you know he has served as the Interim Principal to start the school year and comes to Idyllwild School after serving as an Assistant Principal at Hemet High School over the past three years. Prior to his time as an administrator, he taught Math, AVID [Advancement Via Individual Determination], and Computer Science at Heritage High School in the Perris Union High School District. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Poseley to the Idyllwild Team.”

Idyllwild Trustee Vic Scavarda commented. “I did speak with Mr. Poseley on Tuesday night and he is very enthusiastic about being principal of Idyllwild School. Put another way, he wants to be here. I am excited for our school and I wish him all the best in his new position.”

The Crier spoke with Poseley last week.

TC: “Tell us how you began your career in education.”

TP: “I was born and raised in Perris. I started teaching at Heritage High. I taught math, AVID and computer science. I also did other things: coached boys soccer; ASB (Associated Student Body); I was a National Honor Society adviser; I helped with Friday Night Live (a club that helps with drug use prevention, providing positive alternatives for students).”

TC: “How many students at Heritage?”

TP: “Heritage was 2,900 students.”

TC: “And Hemet High?”

TP: “Hemet High is 2,400.”

TC: “How did the move to administration happen?”

TP: “I just wanted to get involved in helping to influence education, wanted to help get better outcomes for students. I was always raised to believe that if you want to improve things or change them you have to get involved. That compelled me to make that jump. I got the opportunity at Hemet High.”

TC: “What did you learn as assistant principal at Hemet High?”

TP: “I started the year when we closed down, in March 2020. That was my first year. At the school I had the chance to oversee, discipline, attendance, testing, counseling, and curriculum and instruction.”

TC: “All the things a principal does.”

TP: “Yes.”

TC: “And you’ve been at Idyllwild School since this summer?”

TP: “I’ve been up here since July. It’s exciting, outstanding to work for such a great group of people.”

TC: “Do you have any goals?”

TP: “Right now, figuring things out — the things we’re doing great and the things we can improve. Working with everyone involved: parents, students, teachers and the community to figure it out. I’m looking forward to working with the community and the school doing everything I can to support everyone and being a partner in improving our children’s education.”

TC: “Anything you can tell our readers about you as a person?”

TP: “I just got married two years ago; had a son last year. We’re starting a family and enjoying life, learning all the things that new parents learn.”

The new principal’s message to parents on the Idyllwild School website concluded: “Idyllwild School is dedicated to Embracing, Educating, and Empowering every student every day. Our school is committed to a collaborative environment in which all students, staff, parents, and the community work together to provide our students with the tools needed to succeed and reach their full potential. Thank you for your continued support of Idyllwild School and I look forward to serving this wonderful community and school in having a successful school year.”