West Tisbury principal Michael Halt offered job in California

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West Tisbury School principal Michael Halt returns to the school in 2011, after serving with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in Afghanistan. — File photo by Ralph Stewart

West Tisbury School principal Michael Halt will become the principal at San Clemente High School in California, according to that school.

According to a news release issued by the Capistrano Unified School District, the district’s trustees appointed Mr. Halt as principal Wednesday night. “Having conducted a nationwide search, we have found a natural leader who will continue to lead San Clemente High School on its current trajectory of success,” trustees president John M. Alpay said. “Michael Halt’s experiences as a combat officer and school administrator will serve him well as he becomes an integral part of our community.”

Located in Orange County, the school has approximately 3,000 students and a staff of more than 200 administrators and teachers.

Mr. Halt announced his decision to his staff Thursday afternoon.

“It’s a giant career move, a real positive career move,” Vineyard schools superintendent James Weiss said in a phone interview. “Mike is originally from California, so I think it will be a wonderful career move.”

Mr. Halt has served as principal of the West Tisbury School since 2004 and as assistant principal of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School before that. The respected school administrator is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and holds the rank of colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. He has served two lengthy tours of duty in overseas war zones, first in Iraq, then in Afghanistan.

Mr. Halt was not immediately available for comment.