 | | | LeeAnn Martin Photo provided | | | | | | Acalanes High School will be losing a vital cog in the operation of the campus when LeeAnn Martini retires at the end of this month.
Martini has been with Acalanes for seven years as the school's administrative assistant after working at Campolindo High School for three years as their testing coordinator. Before that she volunteered as a class advisor for four years at Campolindo and also served as the volleyball parent coordinator while her daughters, Gina and Amy, went to school there.
After both her daughters graduated, it led to the job at Campolindo. "I spent so much time in the office, I figured I might as well get paid," she said.
During her tenure at Acalanes, she has worked for three different principals. Current principal Travis Bell, who is just finishing his first year at the helm, says, "You can't put a price on what she means to the school." Referring to Martini, he added, "Everyone knows who really runs this place."
Bell mentioned that she has the inside scoop on potential problems before they happen, is aware of student and staff concerns, funnels budget requests and gets first glance at details. "She's been a great sounding board to help deal with issues," said Bell. "She reads and edits communications to the public, and since she is also a member of the community she provides valuable insight."
When asked what was her fondest memory of her time at the school, she mentioned that working with young people was a great joy. "I got close to so many kids and then miss them when they go away. They're all good memories, and it's been a great staff to work with."
Martini does not plan on quitting work. "I'm looking to work or volunteer somewhere, but my first task will be to spend the summer helping to plan my daughter Amy's wedding."
Her husband Rich - whom she met when they were both at UC Davis - is not ready to retire yet, so her current travel plans aren't huge. Soon, however, she'd like to go to Northern Italy and Croatia with her husband and connect with her heritage; her ancestors hail from Montenegro.
Interviews for a new administrative assistant began last week and the school is hoping to have the position filled by the time Martini retires on June 30.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA