Bagby takes job in California, moves closer to parents

After spending the last 10 years as principal of Brandywine Elementary School, Tim Bagby is leaving the district to move closer to his parents, who are in failing health.

“Last summer we visited [my parents] and it became really apparent that my folks were going to need some help,” Bagby said. “I love it here and would prefer to stay actually… I feel like this is a good opportunity for us to go out and help.”

Bagby has accepted a job as principal of kindergarten through sixth grade students at Temecula Preparatory School, a publicly-funded charter school about 45 minutes from his parents’ home in Anaheim, California.

He starts there July 15 and plans on moving in early July.

Bagby said he will miss most the relationships built with staff and students.

“When the letter went home on Thursday, one little boy told me, ‘Mr. Bagby you can’t leave. You know all my secrets,’” he said. “There are a lot of kids here that need a lot of love and attention and positive support. When you work like that and invest yourself in the families — it is difficult.”

Looking back on the past 10 years, Bagby said he is most proud of his efforts to build a positive culture at Brandywine Elementary and a place where staff enjoy coming to work. That he said, translated to success in the classroom.

He also said he enjoyed cooking for the staff during Bobcat Pride days.

“I find they like chocolate and burritos,” Bagby said.

Middle/Senior High School Assistant Principal Jim Boger will replace Bagby beginning in June.

Boger has been in district for 20 years, working as a teacher, athletics director and assistant principal.

He said he is looking forward to a new challenge, having spent most of his time working with older kids.

“It would add balance… if at some point if I want to be a superintendent I think it would be more valuable to have seen it all,” he said. “Fortunately this staff here is really strong and they’ve been here for a long time.”

Boger expects it will be a smooth transition as he and Bagby have a lot in common, including a love of children and music. He also pointed out that both of them are “big” and have goatees.

“Kids do get us mixed up,” Boger said. “They call me Mr. Bagby in seventh grade for a long time.”

Brandywine will be posting an opening for Boger’s former position as assistant principal at the middle/senior high school.