Other leadership positions also filled

By Jennifer Osborn

The Helix Charter High School governing board members have announced a replacement for executive director Michael Lewis, Ed.D., who retired in June. Kevin Osborn, co-author of Helix’s original charter application, has been named as the school’s next leader.

Osborn has worked in the education field since 1988, and has been at Helix since 1992. He started as a teacher, and has served as ASB advisor, dean of students, and, most recently, a grade level principal since 2003. In his time at Helix, he has been involved with every aspect of the school’s leadership, from program and policy development to community relations, facilities planning, fiscal management, and human resources.  

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the next executive director of Helix Charter High School,” Osborn said. “I look forward to serving the students, parents, faculty, staff, and community. The success of our students, in and out of the classroom, will continue to be our number one priority.”

Osborn received his undergraduate degree and teaching credential from San Diego State University. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Arts degree in social science. He also holds an Administrative Services Credential, and a Masters of Science degree in educational administration.

“We selected Mr. Osborn from a field of very qualified candidates,” said Helix Charter High School board president Mike Ried. “He comes with a wealth of experience and is ready to lead Helix in our mission and vision and represent our tradition of excellence in academics and athletics for years to come,”

Lewis retired after serving as Helix’s executive director for four years, having previously served as an assistant principal from 1995 – 1999, and a student teacher and coach in 1985 – 1986. He has 32 years of experience in the education field, 28 of those with the Grossmont Union High School District.

“Dr. Lewis has been a dedicated executive director,” Ried said. “He has provided exceptional service and leadership to our community.  He has led Helix’s faculty and staff to innovate for our students and his legacy will carry Helix into the future with a strong foundation. We appreciate his years of service, and wish him a happy retirement.”

In addition, Brian Kick has been selected to be Helix’s director of data systems and information technology. Kick has a long history of involvement at Helix, and was co-author of Helix’s charter. He started as an AVID tutor in 1987, then taught courses such as AP Biology and Coordinated Science from 1991 – 1998. Most recently, he was a Helix Charter board member and board president from 2009 – 2013.

Since 1998, Kick has worked at the AVID Center in a variety of capacities focused on integrating technology in all aspects at AVID. He has taken on many roles at AVID: technology coordinator, director of professional development, senior learning designer, director of instruction design and e-learning arts, and director of IT for nine years.

These technology leadership roles, as well as Kick’s teaching background, make him an excellent addition to help lead the efforts to effectively integrate technology into the teaching and learning at Helix.

Finally, David Watkins has been selected as the grade level principal for the Class of 2019. He returns to Helix after a 12-year absence.

Watkins started at Helix in 1996, teaching in the social studies department for eight years. During that time, he held several key teacher leadership positions: Restructuring Committee chair, Budget Committee teacher representative, and Effective Parent Partnership Grant coordinator.

From 2004 – 2013, Watkins spent eight successful years as an assistant principal at Granite Hills High School, where he was involved in a wide range of administrative duties and leadership. For the past four years, he has been an assistant principal at El Capitan High School. Watkin’s teaching experience, leadership and administrative experiences make him uniquely qualified to assume the role of grade level principal at Helix.

—Jennifer Osborn writes on behalf of Helix Charter High School. Reach her at [email protected].