FUESD Supt.Schultz to retire

Effective July 4, Fallbrook Union Elementary School District (FUESD) Superintendent Janice Schultz will retire from her position after serving the district for nearly a decade.

Schultz began her career with FUESD as principal of San Onofre Elementary School in the 1980s and says she “will always treasure” her time working with the district.

As a principal and, later, superintendent in the district, Schultz said she made an attempt to put emphasis on early childhood development.

Some of the programs put into place or reinstated by Schultz during her FUESD career are the Jump Start Program, the music and fine arts program and the Panther Pride Drawings.

“I have been running full tilt since the beginning,” said Schultz with a laugh.

Working for FUESD has not always been easy for Schultz, who said she has seen resources for teaching students diminish over the years.

“<As San Onofre principal>, I couldn’t afford to replace students’ desks, so I would have to tape hard cardboard on them so students would have a smooth writing surface,” she said. “Sadly, things haven’t gotten much better.”

Another challenge faced by FUESD during Schultz’ career was trying to meet the needs of students with a growing culturally diverse population.

Still, Schultz is proud of the programs that have been put into place with the help of community organizations, such as the Fallbrook Music Society.

“Their help allows students in the district to receive a fuller, richer curriculum,” she said.

Schultz has extended her thanks to the FUESD governing board for support and opportunities given to her and believes the district will continue to provide quality education.

“Even though the next few years look troubled financially, I know that the kids in the FUESD will still receive an outstanding education,” said Schultz in a letter to the FUESD board members. “They are in care of the finest teachers, administrators and classified support staff, and they will not let them down.”

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