“In times of darkness, real heroes emerge, and Dr. Glazer has exemplified this in the most admirable way possible.”
The words of a San Marcos High student, talking about a woman that she has known for less than 12 months.
But one that she will remember forever.
Dr. Kip Glazer took the reins as principal at San Marcos in July 2019 — walking into a chaotic situation, with her predecessor spending time in court attempting to sue the school district.
Her first year at the helm has also ended in an unprecedented way, navigating the realities of a school year cut short by months.
But, in the eyes of her colleagues and students, she has risen above it all.
“I believe that she has handled this whole situation impeccably, and it is a nod to her incredible leadership and, most importantly, her empathy,” the student wrote.
And she’s not alone — the student body is in love with Dr. Glazer’s infectious energy and innate ability to be omnipresent, albeit in the classroom or on the athletic field.
“She is willing to help no matter what, always puts her students first, and is incredibly supportive,” junior Taylor Wilson said. “Personally as a member of the San Marcos girls varsity volleyball team, I remember after a tough loss that resulted in the end of our season, Dr. Glazer came into our team room and said to us, ‘I just want you all to know how proud I am of you all. It was a pleasure to watch you this season and I am so lucky to have been apart of it. Thank you.’
“It’s really special to know that there is always someone who is looking out for you and Dr. Glazer is this person for all her students. She truly is an inspiration. Especially in these chaotic times she has continued to support and help her students and make sure everyone is safe and taken care of.”
San Marcos red and blue are special to Dr. Glazer, as it was the site of seeing her first football game after she immigrated from South Korea in 1993.
“She’s been such an amazing role model who really just stepped up and owned it. When she came to San Marcos everyone could tell there was so much change being made for the better,” sophomore Katy Caballero said.
“When we would arrive at school she would be in the quad or at the parking lot to greet us. And I do cheer, so during football season we would travel out of town a lot. And every game she was there to support us and cheer our team on — even if the game was two or three hours away from Santa Barbara! She’s just been super involved and makes everyone feel like they’re actually seen and a part of the school.”
Dr. Glazer fell in love with California upon her arrival, doing her undergraduate studies at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
She’d add a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Chapman University in L.A., as well as a Doctor of Education in Learning Technologies from Pepperdine University.
Yet, all the degrees in the world don’t make up for passion, which her colleagues say she has in spades.
“Kip has been very dedicated and has worked very hard since coming to San Marcos. She truly cares for the students and loves her school,” said Abe Jahadhmy, the school’s long-time athletic director.
Dr. Glazer met her husband in Santa Barbara, while also raising two sons that have attended or graduated from West Point.
Students at San Marcos feel like extended members of the Glazer family.
“She shows up to every school event both on and off campus no matter what day of the week, I’ve never had a principal do that before. She promotes a culture of inclusion and a spirit that is infectious,” Peri Wilby said.
“She’s dedicated and determined to make our school a better place, constantly striving to respond to the needs of our San Marcos community,” Meiya Sydney added.
Senior Josh Brown simply tried to match Dr. Glazer’s energy by attending as many games as he wasn’t playing in this past year, knowing that he had a principal that could give him a run for his money in the cheering department.
“Dr. Glazer arrived at San Marcos and made her presence felt instantly with the immense amount of school spirit she has. It’s astonishing she has only been here at San Marcos for a year now because of the passion she has for not only our students, but as well as every athletic team and the San Marcos community as a whole,” Brown said. “You really can tell how much she cares about every single one of us students and I hope she knows how much we appreciate her for that. Thank you Dr. Glazer for everything you do for us! Go Royals!”
email: nmasuda@newspress.com
