Summerville High gets new athletic director

The administration at Summerville Union High School District is recommending teacher Debbie Mager for the position of athletic director, previously held by varsity volleyball coach Kristy Dwyer. 

The move follows a heated Board of Education meeting earlier this month at which several students and community members protested the posting of Dwyer’s athletic director position. 

The choice of Mager for the position of athletic director must be approved by the Summerville High Board of Education. 

Mager has taught science, physical education and other subjects at Summerville High School for 33 years. She has coached a total of 21 years at the high school level, including varsity volleyball, girls’ basketball, field hockey and track. She is also an instructor in the Health and Human Performance department at Columbia College. 

Dwyer said Summerville High’s new principal, David Johnstone, announced the opening of her athletic director position before having met her. The opening was announced by email and open to applicants within the district. 

Dwyer’s teaching and varsity coaching positions were not included in the Aug. 1 posting. 

She is a math teacher and president of the California Federation of Teachers Summerville High chapter, as well as a negotiator on behalf of the union.