Culver City Observer -

Not having to search far for the candidate to lead the charge to academic excellence, there was no doubt in the mind of the Culver City Unified School District’s Board of Education about who the next principal of Culver City High was going to be.

The venerable veteran educator Dylan Farris was named the new principal in July of 2011, after serving two years as assistant principal for guidance and counseling at the school.

Farris replaced Pamela Ann Magee, Ed.D., after six exceptional years as principal of Culver City High, who accepted an appointment as principal and chief administrative officer at Palisades Charter High..

“The transition from Dr. Magee to Dylan Farris has been a seamless one,” said Patricia Jaffe, Superintendent of the Culver City Unified School District.

With no plans to make any drastic changes, Farris said he and his predecessor share some aspects of vision. “One of the main goals we share is to educate students, support them in their coursework and plan for college,” Farris said.

From his bright office overlooking a park-like courtyard, the affable Farris, who was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2006, said his new position as principal has been a bit of a whirlwind.

“Being a new principal can be overwhelming, but I feel very much at home because I have been here 10 years,” Farris said. “It’s not a new environment for me since I have been on the administrative team for four years, but the responsibilities and challenges are different than teaching.”

With eroding state budget cuts that preclude adequate funds for various school programs, one of the biggest challenges Culver City High faces is resources. Farris said there are things the school needs, but the question is, how do we get those things? “We have a big need for moving forward with technology. We need more computer and Internet access, but our infrastructure doesn’t support it,” Farris said. “It’s expensive and the danger is what we invest in might be obsolete down the line. But, we have been moving forward with some virtual learning programs, which Pam initiated.”

In the realm of leadership style and skills, Farris said he tries avoiding the top-down approach. “It’s all about consensus building by putting the power in the hands of teachers and support staff, which gives teachers the opportunity to step up,” Farris said. “I tap into the expertise from the people that are here. Our monthly meetings have turned into more professional development, with our main focus on instruction and avoiding bureaucracy.”

In an e-mail, Jaffe said Farris holds many leadership skills that encompass seeing the big picture, the future, and wanting to invest in the growth of both individuals and Culver City High.

“He has the ability to stand up and make something happen,” Jaffe said.

With 10 years of academic and leadership experience, Farris began his career teaching social studies at Culver City High where he spent seven years. He concurrently served as advisor to various on-campus student clubs such as, the Electronic Music Club and Battle of the Bands. Prior to that, Farris served as co-director of the After School Teen Program at the Culver-Palms YMCA.

A Phoenix native, Farris was raised in Los Angeles. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from UCLA in 2001. From there, he attended Cal State Northridge from 2003-2007 earning a teaching credential in social studies, a Masters of Arts Degree, with distinction, in Educational Leadership and an Administrative Service Credential. Continuing on the academic track, Farris currently attends UCLA, where he is pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy.

When taking a break from academics, the father of three spends time tinkering in the music world spinning tunes as a deejay at various school activities and at friend’s parties.

When asked if he misses teaching, Farris said, “You always miss teaching because it’s about building the day to day relationships with the kids. The interaction is not the same.”