PLEASANT HILL, CA (May 23, 2025) — Pleasant Hill Elementary School is gearing up for a new chapter as it bids farewell to a beloved principal and welcomes a new person to the helm.

Nick Rey, who was completing his third year in charge, was let go much to the disappointment of a supportive parent community.

“The district chose to go in a different direction,” Rey said. “The district has appointed a principal with incredible experience leading at the elementary level. I’m confident that she’ll do an excellent job for the PHE community and all our dinos.”

Ann McNamara Kim comes from the neighboring Martinez Unified School District, where she served as a program specialist in the Special Education division.

In California, the at-will employment law allows either the employer, like Mount Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD), or the employee to terminate employment relationships at any time, for any reason and no reason.

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It was the latter that left PHE parents stunned. Despite their impassioned pleas April 16 to try to persuade the MDUSD school board to rescind its decision and retain Rey, they left disappointed.

“It’s an incredible community we have at PHE: We take care of each other,” Rey said. “I’ve really felt that love these last few weeks. It’s been deeply moving, especially the staff and parents who took time out of their busy lives to speak up at the board meeting.

“And hearing from students at PHE has meant the world to me, sharing how much they’ve loved these last few years, or that I’ve been their favorite principal – despite only being in first grade,” he added.

30 years of experience

Shortly after the public forum portion of the April meeting, board members approved hiring Kim. She brings more than 30 years of experience in education, having served as a teacher, special education teacher, reading specialist, principal and program specialist in East Bay school districts.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to step into the role of principal for the upcoming school year,” said Kim. “My philosophy has always been centered on students, ensuring every child feels seen, supported and inspired to thrive.”

Kim expressed a desire to build strong partnerships with PHE’s amazing staff and families “as we create an inclusive, welcoming community together.”

She added: “I know the upcoming year will be one of growth, connection and meaningful learning for every student.”
Rey, who has been in education for 16 years, with 12 in public education, said he is taking on an elementary principal position in a neighboring district. He declined to elaborate.

“I’m so touched by all the love and support I’ve received since the news broke. Everyone has been so supportive and appreciative,” Rey said of the community he leaves behind.

David Scholz

David Scholz is back in journalism as a freelance writer and photographer after nearly two decades in education. Prior to moving into teaching in 2000, he worked as a full-time journalist since 1988 for rural community and small daily newspapers in Central Ohio and Northern Nevada, and later in California with The Business Journal in Fresno and dailies in the Bay Area, including The Oakland Tribune and The San Francisco Chronicle. More recently Scholz also worked in an editing, writing, and page layout role with the Rossmoor News.