Hawthorne Principal Named to Adult School Position

Ann Picker, the controversial principal of Hawthorne School, has been named director of the adult school in the Beverly Hills Unified School District.

Last fall, Picker was the subject of unfair labor practice charges filed by the Beverly Hills Education Assn. The teachers’ union accused her of undermining the union and harassing its representative at Hawthorne.

The union dropped the charges as part of its settlement with the district that ended the teachers’ strike in November. But the union and some parents, who complained that Picker was harming teacher and student morale, continued to press for her removal in private meetings with then-Supt. Robert French.

According to the union, French promised that Picker “would not be back next year” at Hawthorne, union President Judy McIntire said. French, however, denied making the comment. The school board earlier this year renewed Picker’s contract for the 1990-’91 school year.

On Tuesday, the board, by a 3-2 vote, approved Picker as the adult school director. At the board meeting, some parents urged that Picker remain at Hawthorne, district spokeswoman Hali Wickner said. Board member Peggy Goldwyn, saying it was in the best interest of the children for Picker to stay at Hawthorne, voted against transferring her to the adult school post. Board member Betty Wilson also voted against the transfer.

Frank Fenton, school board president, declined to comment on Picker’s appointment other than to say it was not the result of pressure from any group.

Picker replaces Richard Ubick, who died from a heart attack June 28, the day before he was to have retired. Ubick, 62, had been the adult school director for two years and held teaching and administrative positions during his 30 years with the district. He had been Hawthorne School principal before taking charge of the adult school.