Oceanside, CA - Rob Flaherty, Principal of Nichols Elementary School in the Oceanside Unified School District, has been named the Elementary Principal, Administrator of the Year for San Diego and Imperial Counties by the Administration of California School Administrators. This is the third year in a row that an Oceanside Unified School District principal has won the award.

The Elementary Principal, Administrator of the Year Award recognizes outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to education. Flaherty joined OUSD as a Special Education teacher in 2001. He was selected for his exceptional leadership in that field and innovative and equitable educational programs that have improved student performance and created a positive school culture for both students and staff.

“Mr. Flaherty is a detail-oriented manager and a thoughtful instructional leader,” says Oceanside Unified School District Superintendent Julie A Vitale, Ph.D.. “He is astute in assessing the needs of those he’s working with and in identifying ways to support them in their learning and professional growth.”

Under Flaherty's leadership, Nichols Elementary School has seen significant academic gains for students. He has implemented programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusiveness and has made mental health and wellness a priority for students and staff. He leads with transparency, authenticity and uses data to make informed decisions that enhance the student and teacher experience. 

The Oceanside Unified School District is proud to have such an outstanding leader in its ranks and congratulates Flaherty on this well-deserved recognition.

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