Del Mar district tech director retires; Ashley Falls principal will move into post

The Del Mar Union School District announced two new appointments at its May 27 board meeting, position shifts occurring after the retirement of Mike Casey, the director of technology.

Chris Delehanty, the principal of Ashley Falls School, will be taking Casey’s place effective July 1. Abby Farricker, assistant principal at Sage Canyon and Ocean Air Schools, will fill Delehanty’s post as the new principal at Ashley Falls.

Casey, who has been with the district since 2008, is retiring after 35 years in education.

After beginning as a high school math and science teacher, Casey served as the executive director of technology in the San Diego Unified School District before coming to Del Mar.

“Mike has done so much to lead our district with smart planning and thoughtful execution, while keeping a keen focus on the future,” said Superintendent Holly McClurg. “He has the rare combination of strong technical expertise and astute educational insight.”

Delehanty has been in the district for 11 years, starting as a student teacher. He moved up to administrative positions as assistant principal of Ocean Air, Sage Canyon and Torrey Hills schools and was named Ashley Falls principal in 2012.

Delehanty said he teamed up with Casey five years ago as part of the technology committee and saw firsthand all the hard work Casey put in to roll out the district’s Chromebook program. Delehanty said he is excited to help guide the district forward.

“Mr. Delehanty’s expertise with technology and his vision for the future, coupled with his ability to lead people in establishing systems that function at high levels, will make him a highly effective leader of technology in DMUSD,” said Superintendent Holly McClurg.

Before taking on the assistant principal role, Farricker was a teacher at Del Mar Hills. She was described by Associate Superintendent Jason Romero as being a “model educator” who is hard-working and kind.

“I am confident that Ms. Farricker’s wonderful ways with children, along with her knowledge of curriculum and best instructional practices, make her the ideal person to assume the Ashley Falls principalship,” McClurg said.

Farricker said she is thrilled to be joining the Ashley Falls community and met with parents May 26 at the school. Her first official day as principal is Aug. 3.

“This doesn’t feel like work,” Farricker said of the “amazing” district she is honored to be part of. “I hope to continue to provide a safe and positive learning environment where kids are excited to be every day.”

The district will celebrate Casey’s retirement on June 10 at Mia Francesca’s in Del Mar Highlands Town Center.