No first day jitters for new RSF School District Superintendent

On one of the first days of school, new Rancho Santa Fe School District Superintendent David Jaffe sat on the floor alongside students in second grade teacher Allison Munson’s class as she taught a lesson.

“It warmed my heart because Alli was a student of mine at Diegueno Middle School years ago,” Jaffe said.

Jaffe, the former principal of Torrey Pines High, started work as superintendent on Aug. 1, only the fourth district superintendent since 1964. He welcomed 643 students back to school at R. Roger Rowe on Aug. 29.

Jaffe visited as many classrooms as he could in the first week and said he was glad to see that the teachers hit the ground running.

“There wasn’t a lot of fluff”— students are getting to work right away,” Jaffe said. “When I walk from room to room on this campus and see the enthusiasm of the teachers, their excitement and passion for what they do, I know this is a wonderful school. I feel very fortunate to be in this position and continue to lead this district.”

Jaffe also spoke about how impressed he is with the sophistication of the kids in the school, who will shake his hand, say “Hello Mr. Jaffe,” look him in the eye and represent themselves positively and confidently.

“Any organization has the obligation to continue to improve, to continue to assess its current state and look for ways to make improvements,” Jaffe said. “Our job is special in that we’re responsible for making improvements to ensure that these young kids have the best opportunity and education, and we prepare them the very best for life when they leave us.”