Principal Ernie Remillard will be taking a leave of absence for the remainder of the year. He announced this in a letter to staff and parents, Feb. 5.

During this absence, Assistant Principal Jesse Schuveiller will serve as Interim Principal, with the support of Assistant Principals Katherine Cain and Shannon Parker. Together, they will share Remillard’s responsibilities.

In addition, Dave Lemaster, Executive Director of Learning Support Services at the Poway Unified School District, will provide support to ensure that Westview’s needs are met. 

According to Lemaster, as of now, the length of Principal Remillard’s leave remains undetermined. 

“Right now, we have a principal who has gone on a personal leave, so he is still the principal,” he said. “So until something changes, he’s just on leave. At this time, the duration is not clear.”

In the case that a new principal has to be appointed, the district will undertake a selection process. 

“In general, any time there’s a vacancy, we have a selection committee, usually made up of people from the school, and then it goes to a committee and then they select a few qualified candidates and then go to a cabinet level meeting with the superintendent, the superintendent selects principles, and then principals get approved by the board,” Lemaster said. “It’s premature to say that that process is taking place, but in the event that that were to happen, that would be the process.”

In response to questions about Remillard’s leave, Lemation cautioned students and parents against speculating or spreading unverified information. 

“I would just extend the request that students not share rumors and spread rumors because that’s very hurtful, not only for the individual, but also for the school,” he said. 

Lemaster said he believes in the Westview community’s ability to remain steadfast during times of uncertainty. 

“I think there’s always a sense of change,  but I think that Westview’s such a strong community that people will rally and pull together and support each other,” he said.

Parker shared that although some things may inevitably change, Westview’s spirit will remain strong. 

“Westview is a community shaped by all the people who learn and work here each day,” she said. “Our students are the heart of the school, and our shared purpose is to support your academic and personal growth. As we adjust to new leadership, some things may look or feel different, but what truly defines Westview—our commitment to learning, respect, and connection—remains unchanged. Your teachers, counselors, and staff will continue doing what they do best: showing up for you and guiding your learning. This is who we are—and what makes Westview, Westview.”

According to Schuveiller, going forward, Westview students should not expect a decrease in the quality of their education. The administrative team remains fully committed to ensuring that the standards the school has set for students and staff will continue to be upheld. 

“As we all process the recent announcement regarding Principal Remillard’s leave of absence, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the spectrum of emotions many of us are feeling,” he said. “Transitions of this nature can naturally bring up questions or a sense of uncertainty. During Principal Remillard’s absence, our admin team remains resolute in our commitment to serving the Westview community, our students, our staff, and our families. Our primary goals include ensuring that the mission, momentum, and heart of Westview remain unchanged. It is our sincere ambition to remain moving forward together all the way through the finish line, marked by our last senior crossing that stage on June 4.”

On behalf of the administrators, Schuveiller assured that students will stay supported and that the staff will always be there to help. 

“While I have only been at Westview for a short time, I have been fortunate to observe an incredible group of students who demonstrate dedication, pride, and resilience on a daily basis,” he said. “Our admin team looks forward to supporting our students every step of the way as we navigate this next chapter. We are in this together, and we are honored to lead alongside you.”