By Mary O’KEEFE

The new Crescenta Valley High School principal has been announced – Michele Doll will be filling the shoes of retiring principal Linda Evans.
It was only two years ago Doll was introduced to the community as principal of Rosemont Middle School.  She is now moving only a few blocks away but will head up a student body of about 3,000.
“When Linda [Evans] announced her retirement and the district flew the position I felt like I had to apply,” Doll said. “And what a unique opportunity I will have to transition with my students.”
Doll will get to move from Rosemont to CVHS with her eighth grade students, the same students she began with two years ago.
“And in four years I will be able to hand them their diplomas. That’s awesome,” she added.
Before Doll became Rosemont’s principal she had spent four years as assistant principal and three years as associate principal at Glendale High School.
Since being at the middle school she has attended many meetings along with Evans, which helped her get an understanding of the community and the Crescenta Valley schools. They have worked together on many issues including the CV Drug and Alcohol Coalition.
“I am excited that Linda will be around to help me. I know it will be a smooth transition,” Doll said.
Evans will be leaving CVHS at the end of the present school year but will not be out of the district until November 2011.
“I will be working at the district and helping the new principal where I can,” Evans said in an earlier interview.
Doll will not only find familiar students but newly transferred to CVHS, associate principal Michael Bertram, also originally from Glendale High School.
Doll said she is excited about her new position.
“The school is phenomenon with phenomenal teachers,” she said.
She added that she looks forward to working with the many clubs and organizations.
“And working with the athletic departments.”
While at Rosemont she was a proponent of the middle and high schools working together on projects. She had suggested some high school clubs could have a spinoff or junior club at the middle school. As the new high school principal she hopes to continue that effort.
“I would love to merge the schools activities,” she said.
With Doll moving to the high school that now leaves a vacancy at Rosemont.
“The process of finding a principal is underway,” said John Garcia, assistant superintendent human resources.  “We are still looking at [candidates] from within the school district at this point.”
As with the search for Evan’s replacement, the district will solicit input from school staff and parents as to what they feel are the most important qualifications for a principal.   Administrators plan to meet with school staff today and with concerned parents on May 26.  The time has yet to be set but it will most likely be between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
“Dr. Doll was an exceptional candidate for the position with her extensive background in high school and middle school,” Garcia said.
He added during the interview process Doll was the candidate that met all the criteria not only of the administration but also of school staff and parents.
Doll is looking forward to her new beginning at CVHS but Rosemont still holds a special place in her heart.
“I told my staff [Wednesday]. It was sad. I love Rosemont.  Leaving is bittersweet but CVHS is a phenomenal school with phenomenal teachers.  I look forward to working with teachers and staff and learning about he school and what I can do to support everyone.  I also look forward to working with parents, the students and the community. The school has a wonderful reputation.  I want to continue what [Evans] has done and build on it,” Doll said.
A ConnectEd phone message will go out to Rosemont parents concerning the May 26 meeting.  Anyone with questions can contact the school at (818) 248-4224.