SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : Principals Named for 4 of 5 New Schools

The Capistrano Unified School District has announced the names of principals for four of its five elementary schools that open next fall.

The four are: Ellen Fine at Hidden Hills Elementary School in Laguna Niguel; David Gerhard at Malcom Elementary in Laguna Niguel; Suzette Lovely at Lobo Elementary in San Clemente, and Curt Visca at Bathgate Elementary in Mission Viejo.

Fine, currently principal at R.H. Dana Elementary, plans to emphasize global communications at Hidden Hills. She previously opened a new school for the district in 1987 when she was the first principal at Bergeson Elementary in Laguna Niguel.

Gerhard, who in 1990 started his current school, George White Elementary in Laguna Niguel, is known as a strong supporter of environmental studies and community service projects at the elementary level. He plans to create a curriculum emphasizing environmental and ecological studies at Malcom Elementary.

Lovely, principal of Barcelona Hills Elementary in Mission Viejo, plans to make parent involvement a part of the program at Lobo Elementary.

Visca, who created a performing arts program at Bergeson, where he is assistant principal, envisions turning Bathgate Elementary into a performing arts academy. Fine will be replaced at R.H. Dana by Michael Hoy, currently principal at San Juan Elementary.

The district is still interviewing candidates to fill principal positions next year at Barcelona Hills, San Juan and George White, and the new Wood Canyon Elementary School.