RANCHO SANTA FE — While the July board meeting for the Rancho Santa Fe School District handled many business matters, including approving incoming superintendent David Jaffe, the end of the meeting was punctuated with emotion.
It was Superintendent Lindy Delaney’s last board meeting. She served as superintendent since 2004 and has been with the district for the last three decades.
“It’s my last board meeting, and I’d just like to say thank you to the school boards, past and present, for allowing me to serve this school district. It’s been such a highlight in my life,” said Delaney, choking back the tears. “I’ve loved it. I loved being hired here 30 years ago.”
Also present at the board meeting was the district’s attorney, Richard Currier. Delaney thanked Currier and also John Stiker, who served as a former board president, for their encouragement in having her become superintendent.
“I didn’t know I could do the job, but you did,” she said, looking at Currier. “You told me I could.”
Delaney went on to thank the Education Foundation for all the good work they have done. She believed that their incredible work was one of the things that made the school so very special.
She also thanked the subcommittees and all the volunteers whose common goal of doing things together was always for the betterment of the kids.
Delaney went on to praise the excellent staff at the school.
“They work really hard to provide a great education. They work tirelessly and we know that,” she said.
Delaney then wanted everyone to know how wonderful it has been to work with the families and students over the years.
“People really care about this community,” she said.
Delaney then turned her attention back to Richard Currier and thanked him and his team for their service.
“You have been there to protect the district, to protect me, and to protect the Board,” she said. “You guys are great — all the time — and thank you.”
Delaney then shared a special thanks to Chief Matt Wellhouser of the Rancho Santa Fe Patrol. Over the years, they have helped the school stay safe and she appreciated all that they have done for the district.
Also at the board meeting was Delaney’s assistant, Sandi Nissel. She mentioned how she told Jaffe that Nissel is one of those irreplaceable kinds of people.
“She will take care of you, and she’ll be good to you,” Delaney said.
Her closing statement was then aimed at Jaffe.
“David, enjoy — I hope you have as great a run as I did,” she said. “I know that the board has approved me for five months (as a special advisor), but you have me forever. I’ll be there to support you and I wish you all the best.”
