Chatsworth Hills Academy Gets Change in Leadership

From a press release:

Chatsworth Hills Academy is pleased to announce the
appointment of Adrian Allan as new Head of School, effective July 1. Allan continues the legacy of former Head Ann Gillinger who has retired after 46 years in education. 

In addition to an extensive global career as an educator, Allan has 25 years of experience as an administrator. At Le Jardin Academy, a prestigious K-12 school in Hawaii where he served as principal and headmaster for the past 16 years, Allan oversaw the relocation of the school to its current campus and construction of new facilities, introduced a high school and established LJA as Hawaii’s first International Baccalaureate World School.

In addition to his work at LJA, Allan has worked as an educator in six countries, speaks several languages including French, Japanese, Norwegian and Finnish and has presented at educational workshops worldwide. Born in Cambridge, England, Allan holds degrees and certifications from Cambridge University, Leeds University, Alabama University and Harvard University.

“With his extensive experience in curriculum development, facilities and fundraising, Adrian Allan is absolutely the right person to be leading CHA into its next phase of development, following the recent purchase of our campus,” said Robert Mitas, CHA Board of Trustees President.

“Our search for a new head attracted a lot of interest from candidates worldwide. Adrian stood out from the start as someone who could deliver an outstanding educational environment and build upon the platform of excellence provided by our retiring head Ann Gillinger. Ann has been a tireless leader for the past 6 years and we wish her all the best in her retirement.”

Gillinger is retiring after a 46-year career, during which she received two Fulbright Scholarships, was appointed by the Governor of Colorado to improve the curricula for middle and high schools throughout the state and, as founding principal of another school, designed the curriculum that resulted in its recognition as a National Distinguished School by the U.S. Department of Education.

During her 6 years at CHA, she received the Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce’s Unforgettable Educator Award for Best Principal, led CHA through its recent campus purchase, expanded the technology program and obtained grant money for The School Garden Project. To commemorate her many achievements, the School has named the garden after her and placed a statue in her honor. 

“I am extraordinarily lucky to have been part of such a special community for the past 6 years,” said Gillinger. “CHA is a special gem and I am confident that Mr. Allan is the right person to take it to its next level of growth.”