Torrey Pines High School principal leaving; New principal is David Jaffe

Rick Schmitt, incoming superintendent of the San Dieguito Union High School District, announced June 26 that Torrey Pines High School Principal Brett Killeen is leaving the district to take a new job. Former Canyon Crest Academy Principal David Jaffe will replace Killeen as principal of Torrey Pines High School.

“It is with mixed emotions that I announce that Brett Killeen will be leaving San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD) to assume the role of Assistant Superintendent of Human Relations in the Vista Unified School District,” Schmitt said in a statement. “Brett served as the TPHS principal for seven years. He was a strong, thoughtful, intelligent and creative leader. Brett’s departure will be a loss for our district and Vista’s gain – Brett is well suited for his new role and this is a logical next step in his career and growth.

“Despite the bittersweet departure of Brett, I am excited to announce that David Jaffe will return to our district to assume the helm of TPHS effective immediately. David is well known to many in our community after serving our district as a teacher, assistant principal, founding principal of Canyon Crest Academy, and Executive Director of Curriculum & Assessment, before leading a private school for the last two years. Mr. Jaffe will be the ninth principal of TPHS since the school opened in 1974.

“This is one of those rare win-win instances – Brett gets a well-deserved new position, Vista gets a strong leader, and SDUHSD gets David back to lead TPHS.

“David is a perfect match for Torrey Pines High School – not just because he is a skilled and experienced leader, but, more importantly, because he values people. Mr. Jaffe will work closely with outgoing Principal Killeen to ensure a seamless transition.”