New Lake Tahoe school principals selected for Zephyr Cove, Whittell

A Carson City administrator will take over as the new principal of Zephyr Cove Elementary School, while a Los Angeles superintendent will step in as principal of Whittell High School.

Nancy Cauley has worked as the vice principal for Fremont and Seeliger elementary schools in Carson City since 2003, and Sue Shannon served as a superintendent for the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Both were selected out of a candidate pool of more than 20 applicants, said Rich Alexander, Douglas County School District's assistant superintendent for human resources, at Wednesday's school board meeting in Stateline.

Shannon and Cauley were hailed for their leadership skills and experience in education. Carol Lark, incoming superintendent of Douglas County, was impressed with Shannon's credentials.

"I was just amazed," Lark said. "For a district this size to be able to attract someone of her expertise is very exciting."

Shannon will come into a school that has seen its share of rotating principals and controversy. From an unfounded staff sick-out to suspensions of two seniors for having prescription ibuprofen at last year's prom, Whittell has made headlines.

But the small school is also known for its academic and athletic prowess, devoted staff and involved parents. It has also added advanced-placement classes to its curriculum.

Janie Gray announced in November she was going to retire after three years as Whittell principal to move back to Texas and spend time with family.

Cauley returns to Douglas County, where she was a speech and language pathologist and served an administrative intern.

At the end of Wednesday's vote, Superintendent John Soderman welcomed Cauley back to the district. Cauley, in turn, said: "It's just a joy to be back."

Zephyr Cove Principal Chris Perdomo, wife of Carson High School Principal Fred Perdomo, said that after 32 years in education, with 25 as a teacher, the time was right to retire.

She called her time at the school as "frosting on the cake."

Perdomo helped institute several programs at the high-achieving school, including a parent volunteer handbook, monthly parent chats over coffee and mandating all students be involved in a science fair.

Perdomo said she had confidence in her replacement.

"She's capable, she's energetic, enthusiastic, she's strong and she's going to continue the great work that's been going on here so I'm happy to pass the baton to her," Perdomo said.