Departing West Tisbury Principal Hailed in California

One of the most distinguished educators to make his mark on Martha's Vineyard has accepted a position leading a California high school.

Michael Halt, principal of West Tisbury School and a Marine reservist for more than 20 years, departs this summer for San Clemente High School.

San Clemente Patch has published a welcome article for Halt:

The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday night appointed Michael Halt, a combat-experienced colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, as principal at San Clemente High.

While trustees said his military roots make him a good fit for the San Clemente community, it’s his track record in education that landed him the job.

"While he has impressive military experience … what stood out was his experience, knowledge and understanding of educational experience," said Board President John Alpay.

In West Tisbury, Halt took the helm of an average-performing school and helped turn it into one of the most successful in the state, said Capistrano officials:

“Halt is currently principal at West Tisbury School in Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. During his tenure at West Tisbury, Halt was awarded the Governor’s Commendation for Achievement in 2012 and was named a pilot candidate for National Board Certification for Principals,” according to a district statement.

“I am pleased that we can appoint another proven leader with a passion for our educational mission as principal at San Clemente High School,” Trustee Amy Hanacek, who represents parts of San Clemente, said in a written release.

“We fully expect Mr. Halt to command a strong presence, be actively involved, and work collaboratively with students, staff, parents, and the community to make San Clemente High School an outstanding school for every student.”

According to the district, Halt became an active duty Marine officer in 1987, serving as a combat leader in the First Gulf War, where he earned a Combat Action Ribbon and a Navy Commendation.

Since 1992, he has served in the Marine Corps Reserve. During his post-9/11 tours, he deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, earning a Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit.

He also has 20 years of experience in education.

According to a statement from the school district, Halt has taught history and coached track and field at Cathedral City High School in Cathedral City, Calif. from 1993-1997, and at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School from 1997-2000. In 2000, he became an assistant principal at MVRH before taking the West Tisbury job in 2004.

Halt earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Southern California and master’s degrees from Chapman University and Endicott College.

Do you know Michael Halt? Tell us in the comments. You may also be interested in:

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