Pacific Beach Middle School (PBMS) experienced a change in administration in early July when Ernie Remillard was hired as the school’s new principal to replace the outgoing Julie Martel. The milestone, of course, was a bittersweet farewell and welcome for the pair and for the school’s students, teachers and staff. “I’m definitely excited. It is nice to come in and be able to hit the ground running,” Remillard said. Remillard noted the is familiar with PBMS teachers and staff after he spent three years as the school’s vice principal from 2008 to 2011. Prior to his time at Pacific Beach Middle School, Remillard served three years at Roosevelt Middle School from 2005 to 2008 and served last year as one of the vice principals at De Portola Middle School before returning to Pacific Beach. Martel had positive things to say about her replacement. “I hired him into the district as a math teacher until he became the international baccalaureate (IB) coordinator before he came to work with me at PB Middle as vice principal in 2008,” said Martel. “I think it’s great that he was hired. He’s ready to be a principal with his strong background in the IB program.” Martel decided to retire after 33 years in the San Diego Unified School District, serving 22 as an administrator and the last four of her years at PBMS. “I’m 62, so it seemed like the right time to do something different and be able to do other things that I haven’t had time to do,” said Martel. Martel was principal at Roosevelt Middle School for seven years before moving over to PBMS and also worked within the district at Foster Elementary, Lee Elementary and served another seven years as the vice principal at Horace Mann Middle School. “Being a principal now is much different than it was before the budget cuts,” reflected Martel. “It is similar to owning your own business, because you are always worrying even if you aren’t there, and you won’t be able to take a lot of vacations.” Similarly, Remillard spoke highly of Martel. “She’s so knowledgeable, experienced and well-respected within the district, which made my job as vice principal easier,” said Remillard. “Working under her, she did a good job teaching myself and the other vice principal.” Because of his familiarity with the school and staff, Remillard does not expect any major changes except for those in the state’s Common Core Standards with respect to PBMS’ international baccalaureate program. The IB program at PBMS was established in 2007. Remillard said he hopes to boost PBMS’ current enrollment of 630 by keeping Pacific Beach students local and marketing the school to other neighborhoods. “One of our goals is to increase enrollment by inviting the parents to come and see our school, meet our great teachers and learn about the stellar program that we can offer,” Remillard said. PBMS is one of only two IB middle schools in the district. Students can enroll beginning Aug. 20. Pacific Beach Middle School will have a new student orientation event on Aug. 27 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The first day of class will be Tuesday, Sept. 4.