Middle school principal moves up to high school

Joanne Culverhouse will replace outgoing Laguna Beach High School Principal Don Austin, according to the school district.

Austin announced Thursday that he is taking a position with a Huntington Beach school district.

Culverhouse has served as principal at Thurston Middle School and El Morro Elementary School, according to a news release. She has 30 years of educational experience as a teacher, coach and administrator. She earned an undergraduate degree and two master’s degrees at the University of Nevada, Reno, and received a doctorate from UCLA.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be selected as the principal of Laguna Beach High School,” Culverhouse said in the release. “The high school has received many distinguished awards and I look forward to continuing the tradition of academic success they have experienced over the years. I also look forward to immersing myself in the athletic and visual and performing arts programs. I am very excited to join Laguna Beach High School as the new principal.”

Thurston Assistant Principal Jennifer Salberg will replace Culverhouse at Thurston. Salberg has 18 years of experience as a teacher and assistant principal, including 12 years in the Laguna Beach district. Salberg has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s in school administration, among other credentials.

“I believe in the core value that each student can reach their maximum potential with the support and patience of the Thurston staff,” she said in a statement. “Our school’s expertise in [Response to Instruction & Intervention] will assist us in providing all students with an equal opportunity to succeed. … I absolutely love this community and am looking forward to an amazing 2011-12 school year.”

“Dr. Joanne Culverhouse and Jenny Salberg have a combined 24-year track record of exemplary leadership in Laguna Beach schools at the elementary, middle and high school levels,” school board President Theresa O’Hare said in the release. “These appointments prove once again the deep talent pools we have in our small and very special school district.”