Board honors Purple Star school, names employees of the year and announces principal appointment

At the May board meeting, La Mesa‑Spring Valley trustees set aside time to honor staff and schools and to report a closed-session appointment.

Staff introduced and the board recognized a school for receiving the Purple Star designation in honor of its services to military families. Principal Tammy Babitz (introduced by staff) described the school's supports for military-connected families and thanked staff and the Navy Southwest region for resources and partnership.

The board then recognized Jessica Nobles as the district's classified employee of the year. Colleagues described Nobles' work as a community schools facilitator at Bancroft Elementary, noting her role in connecting families to services and programs; Nobles addressed the board and thanked staff and her family.

Trustees also honored Victoria ("Tori") Kolenberg/Kullenberg as the certificated teacher of the year for her special-education work, inclusive classroom strategies and professional leadership. Speakers praised her approach to assuming competence and creating a welcoming classroom where students practice community-based skills.

In a report of action from closed session, staff said the board "unanimously approved and appointed Amy Isbell as principal at Spring Valley Academy." The public report did not specify the motion or vote tally beyond "unanimously approved."