Michael Conlon, parent of a fourth-grade Top of the World Elementary student and a career educator, was appointed to succeed the school’s retiring principal Ron La Motte, the district announced Tuesday.
Conlon is currently the principal of Lake Forest’s Olivewood Elementary School and previously was the assistant principal of Los Alamitos’ Oak Middle School. Conlon started his career as an elementary teacher in Long Beach.
“Being a parent of a TOW student, I know how special the school and community is. It is an honor to be considered and I am humbled to have been selected,” Conlon said in a statement.
Conlon was one of 16 candidates considered. Half of the pool underwent second interviews with parents, teachers, and administrators, and three finalists underwent a final interview with the superintendent and other administrators.
“We are pleased and excited to have Mike Conlon join our principal ranks. As a successful, experienced principal and father of a TOW student, he is the perfect fit for TOW and our District,” said Supt. Sherine Smith.
