Amy Drolette, who has coordinated Palo Alto student wellness and mental-health initiatives for the past two years, is departing to become an assistant principal at Los Gatos High School.

With the title of "student services coordinator" for the Palo Alto Unified School District, Drolette monitored and presented to the Board of Education on a district-wide array of initiatives related to student wellness and "connectedness."

She also co-chaired Palo Alto Project Safety Net, a coalition of more than 20 community groups that formed in 2010 to focus on teen mental health following a string of student deaths by suicide. The other co-chair has been Palo Alto Community Services Manager Rob De Geus.

Superintendent Kevin Skelly said the district is searching for a replacement.

Drolette said the decision to leave Palo Alto was "difficult," but "the town of Los Gatos is my home and this opportunity will allow me to balance the passions in my life: education and family.

"I've cherished my time in Palo Alto because of the collaboration with members of Project Safety Net," she said.

In a memo to colleagues, she said, "I have immense gratitude for Kevin (Skelly) and all of you for your support and consistent dedication in supporting the social-emotional wellness of all students."

— Chris Kenrick

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