Assistant Principal of Student Services Vicki Kim officially announced her acceptance of an offer to lead a San Diego middle school for the 2018-19 school year this afternoon.

Kim sent an email to staff today explaining her reasons for departing, which included that the decision was best for her family.

“This opportunity came [at] a time where the timing works for both of us [Kim and her husband] and our little toddler,” Kim said in her email.

Kim has worked in the administration for Palo Alto High School for the past five years, serving as a liaison for Living Skills as well as overseeing the College and Career Center, Counseling Support, the Guidance Department, the Health Office, the Independent Study and Opportunity Program, the Master Schedule and the Mental Health and Wellness Team.

In her email, Kim said leaving Paly was a difficult decision, but she felt it was the right choice considering the circumstances.

“Of course, this decision comes with a mix of emotions as I have considered Paly my second home for the past five years. Most importantly, I think about how much this staff likes kids, advocates for kids and dedicates their lives to serving kids.”

Vicki Kim’s email

Before accepting her new role, Kim also applied for the role of principal at Monta Vista High School (MVHS), becoming a finalist for the job. Kim visited the school on May 2 to introduce herself and present her platform at a seminar, according to an email from Ruth Feng, the Managing Editor of El Estoque, the MVHS newspaper.

Kim has been involved in many influential decisions over the past five years, most recently participating on the Site Council and the Bell Schedule Review Committee.

“Ms. Kim really had students in mind through that schedule process — and I’m grateful for that — because not everyone will take student input, and she really did,” said junior David Foster, a member of the Bell Schedule Review Committee.

Kim has worked closely with students and will leave a lasting impact, according to Foster.

“I’m sure she’ll do great things wherever she goes, but I enjoyed working with her and I’ll be sad to see her go.”

David Foster

While at Paly, Kim said she learned valuable lessons and will forever be grateful for the time that she got to spend here, according to her email.

“I can honestly say that because of my time at Paly, I am a better administrator today than I was when I first walked through those Tower doors,” Kim said in her email.

Kim could not be reached for comment when this story was published, but this story will be updated as more information becomes available.