Leila Sackfield
Position: Deputy Superintendent of Human Resources
School: Escondido Union School District
School District: Escondido Union School District
City, State: Escondido, CA
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Leila Sackfield was nominated by an anonymous colleague.
"When you are in administration, you might ask yourself, 'How do I make an impact in this role, somewhat behind the scenes of the day-to-day with students and teachers?' You do it like Leila Sackfield," said her nominator. "You care, you are present, and you are connected to the heart of your staff, students, their families, and the community."
Ms. Sackfield is a transformational leader who has been a blessing to Escondido. When she was younger, her family moved to Escondido from New York, and she attended Escondido schools growing up. She graduated from Grant Middle School and Escondido High School, where she played in the band and developed a passion for music. She taught at Conway Elementary School, and then, she moved to the district office to support parent involvement. She became the principal of Rock Springs Elementary School and took on the challenge of opening Reidy Creek Elementary School, where she also served as principal. Eventually, she returned to the district office as the assistant superintendent of educational services, and now serves as deputy superintendent of human resources.
As a leader, Ms. Sackfield was recognized as the ACSA Administrator (Association of CA School Administrators) of the Year and by the Board of Education as Person of the Year. She has made an indelible difference in the lives of students in the classroom, the schools in which she served, and the teachers she supported throughout the district with unwavering guidance and dedication.
Lead with love. That has been Ms. Sackfield’s leadership style. She has a presence with everyone she meets. Her warm eyes give you a hint of her large heart that supports everyone she’s around.
Ms. Sackfield makes the effort to know the name of everyone - no small feat, given that she works for one of the largest employers in Escondido. She closed the gap between teachers and administrators.
Throughout her role, Ms. Sackfield has met many students within the district. She has taken the time to come to the classrooms to support her teachers and have a bird’s eye view of the students’ experiences.
"Her dedication and knowledge of the events among her teachers and students set her apart as a leader," said her nominator. "She inspires, makes a difference, and transcends her work through others. When she walked into my classroom, I knew I was supported."
Ms. Sackfield makes herself available to teachers, parents, and students. She has communicated her approachability as she modeled how important it was to know the people she’s supporting. She knows the voices of the teachers, their concerns, their students, and their families.
Ms. Sackfield is physically and emotionally present at every community event - whether it's a student receiving an award, a celebration for a partnership supporting students, a recognition for a teacher, or garnering feedback from student’s families. She makes you feel that you and your work matter. She remembers each meeting she’s had with you and will surely remind you of it when she sees you again.
"As someone on the outside, I can only imagine the large number of emails Leila receives on a daily basis," said her nominator. "Yet, she makes herself available to her staff. She wants to hear from us, and she responds to our emails. Her presence makes you feel as if you are on the top of her email list."
As a leader, she has done the impossible with grace and class, not losing herself in the process. She makes it look easy. She has created a nurturing atmosphere and exhibited the highest of moral and ethical standards. Ms. Sackfield is an advocate who walks alongside her community, staff, students, and families. During harder times, like a passing, health crisis, or pandemic, Ms. Sackfield is the calm among the chaos, the love, and the protector. She is the face and heart of her district, and her support has been immeasurable throughout the years. She works relentlessly to make a positive impact and is loved by countless people!
This year, Ms. Sackfield is retiring. She has led her district through an unprecedented pandemic with distance learning and the proverbial new normal. Through it all, she has provided the communication and trust that defines a great leader.
"While we cannot celebrate her in person, we celebrate her life-long commitment, professionalism, support, dedication, and vision for our Escondido Union School District," said her nominator. "As she moves on to the next exciting chapter in her life, she should take comfort in knowing the legacy and impact she has made on others. She has paved the way to support us all. She will continue to impact our district, and she will shine through all who knew her and everyone she inspired and supported. Leila will be missed beyond words."
"If I know Leila, I'm sure she's reflecting on her career and thinking that she could have done better when it all actuality, it was a job well done," said her nominator. "I hope as she closes this incredible chapter and opens a new beautiful one, she knows that she is a warrior. Her lessons live on in us, and we will continue her work, her passion, and her care for the community she loves."
"Leila, we are so lucky to have been a part of your journey," said her nominator. "Continue on with your warm smile and let your eyes sparkle for us. You are appreciated; you inspired, supported, listened, and loved us all. You are uniquely and amazingly YOU, and we are better because of you...We can’t wait to see what you do next!"
I clearly remember the first time I met Leila. It was over twenty years ago, when I first came to the district, at a district-wide training. We were grouped with people from different sites. It was a long day with a lot of work, but I remember laughing so much. Leila and I had some running joke all day based on a psychoanalysis of Babe the Valiant Pig. It’s been over two decades of hard work and laughter with Leila. No one works harder harder the Leila, but she never missed the joy in it. Our students are her absolute priority, but her heart still has room for everyone she encounters. She truly lead with love.
I met Leila over 20 years ago. It was my first year of teaching, and she was my assistant principal. When she left our school to become principal at another, I followed her. And some years later when she left that school to open a new school, I followed her again. Some years later she became assistant superintendent, but if she had moved to another school, I would have followed her again. And I would have kept following her, on and on, for as long as I could. She’s that amazing. And in a sense, even though she is retiring, I will always follow Leila, by remembering and following the example she set. She taught us so much, and she modeled so much for us what we want to instill in our own students: Character. Empathy. Honesty. Compassion. Responsibility. Work ethic. Service. Presuming positive intent. Leading by example. Love. No one has worked harder, sacrificed more, or given more of their heart and spirit to our district and the children and families we serve than Leila. She’s our Deputy Superintendent, yet she has never forgotten to see the world through the eyes of our children, like the students she taught in her classroom. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “I want to talk right down to Earth, in a language that everybody here can easily understand.” Even among discussions about the most complex and difficult challenges we have faced in education, Leila did that, too. She remembered that the work we do is about people, and could communicate that with the simplest but most powerful lessons that even our youngest students could understand: Lead with love. Work hard. And be nice. The service Leila has given to our district over her career as an educator is beyond measure, as is the impact she has had on all our lives. We love you Leila, and we wish you the most wonderful retirement.
Dear Leila, If we had to sum up who you are in one word, it would be “advocate.” Every day, you advocate for the community of Escondido and the students and staff of EUSD. You care deeply about the welfare of others and you have dedicated your career to helping foster successful students and teachers. During your years at the DO, you have been a team player and have treated teachers with respect and appreciation. As an advocate for social justice, you have infused equity and access to the arts for every child and every educator into your daily work. As visual art and theater teachers, we are grateful for your leadership and vision to strengthen the arts in our classrooms, and partnership with the California Center for the Arts. We are privileged to honor your legacy for years to come. Thank you, Leila. We will miss you. Sincerely, Alex, Ann, Chrissie, Kirsten, Lori, Terrilynn, and Veronica
It's hard to imagine EUSD without Leila in it. She is the heartbeat of our district. She has touched the lives of countless students, staff, families, and community members. She is a source of light and love. She has demonstrated passion for bettering this community and is truly special. Leila, well done, good and faithful servant! Enjoy some well-deserved rest as your legacy lives on.
So, I have delayed writing this comment because I knew that there would be no way to adequately convey my feelings about why Leila Sackfield truly deserves this honor. I'm going to try. We began our careers together over 30 years ago and from the beginning, Leila inspired. Leila has always been the kind of person and educator that was not afraid to tackle a challenge and she was quickly recognized as a leader in our district. Leila's strength in leadership lies in her willingness to understand the true needs of those that she is leading. Each time she advanced to the next step in her career, she did not forget about critical issues in jobs that came before. Her ability to inspire those she serves was evidenced by over 100 educators applying to fill 20 slots when she opened one of our new elementary schools. People are drawn to Leila's passion for excellence and dedication to being a lifelong learner. Leila has an unparalleled will to lead others in service of a cause bigger than herself. People desire to follow that kind of leader. Leila leads with an attitude of service. Because she is so approachable and knowledgeable, she is viewed as the “go to” person no matter what district or community member has a need. You might see her inspiring a group of beginning educators, reassuring a group of concerned parents, representing the school district at a community function, or spearheading an innovative educational project. Because of her excellent communication skills, she is able to expertly synthesize information and then deliver an eloquent and impactful message even when she is given limited time to prepare. This is the gift of a true leader. Leila was educated in the very district that she now leads. Her family supported her desire to have extracurricular experiences in performing arts. She has made it a priority to ensure that the children in our community have these same opportunities. Leila has been an integral member of many district and community committees supporting music, dance, art, and technology. We have several ongoing enrichment programs in the district and community at large that are the direct result of her influence. When I consider the huge difference that she has made in our school district, community, and county, I cannot imagine anyone more deserving of being named a LifeChanger of the Year.
As an administrator, you look for someone to be your mentor or example of a great leader, and Leila has always been that person for me. She is the heart and sole of EUSD. I believe a good administrator views the job with a servant heart, and Leila is an awesome example of this type of leader. No one deserves this award more than Leila Sackfield and she will always be EUSD.
This coming August I will have known Leila Sackfield for 32 years. The thing about Leila is, she holds herself to the highest standards, which has always taught me to hold myself to those high standards. Doing what is right for children...that is what Leila Sackfield is all about. I have worked with Leila when she taught in the classroom and I have worked with Leila as my principal. I would gladly do it all over again. My respect for this amazing lady is over the top. How many principals know each kiddo on their campus by name? Leila did. How many principals go into classrooms because they want to connect with kids and staff? Leila did. The thing is, staff members did not feel intimidated when Leila walked in as a principal. She was welcomed into classrooms. Childrens' faces lit up when she walked into the room. Did Leila have high expectations of her staff? Oh ya! But guess what? We didn't mind. We all challenged ourselves to be the best that would could be for kids because that is what Leila modeled and that is what she instilled in, I will venture to say, every educator who has had the pleasure of working with her. I remember as a young educator I watched Leila across campus squat down next to kids to talk with them at eye level, so I learned to do that as well. Can you imagine how empowering that is for a child to have your principal converse with you like that?
I consider Leila to be a friend of mine, but, if I was not doing the right thing for kids, she would tell me. That is just one of the many things I love and respect about her. Leila,I cannot thank you enough for the positive impacts that you have had on me as both a person and an educator over the years. Thank you for everything. I love ya!
I like many people get a feel-good smile when I hear about athletes and celebrities who return to give back to their communities. How much greater then is the feeling for someone who has been giving back to her community consistently for so many years. Whether as a teacher, principal or administrator she has encouraged countless students and teachers as they navigated their academic and professional careers. No matter what the situation at a school or district wide; something that called for praise, careful thought, or guidance Leila's voice and actions were sought after and revered for there was never a doubt that her response would be laced with a reverence for all who were involved. Leila generously contributes time to civic events. Again, her visibility and accessibility show the depth of caring she has for the community she serves. She is a friend, she is a colleague and yes, she is a life changer.
As a newish EUSD employee, and brand new to Reidy Creek (where she was principal at the time) I showed up not knowing who was who. There was a lady at the gate to the playground parking a large contingent of vehicles. Unfortunately, I held up the line because I needed direction on where to report to work. (I was the new kitchen manager). She was ever-so-kind and helpful to me. It wasn't until a few days later I found out she was the principal. I later came to see her as the strong and compassionate leader that put RC on the right track. (brand new school). These are the same traits that have shown through all things she has done for our district.
Leila, Congratulations on work well done, a life well lived, and a heart large enough to envelop all of us!
Now you can kick off your shoes and enjoy retirement! Love and hugs.
When one enters the education profession, one enters a world of public service. It requires an extraordinary effort, for the essence of public service is the placement of needs of others first and foremost, before the needs of self. The public servant is called upon to put the needs of others first, and that is why education is a most distinguished profession. Very few individuals are motivated to help others first.
Leila Sackfield is the epitome of public service and servant. There are few people in the world who express this servant heart and mind as she does. Through her passion of education, within the lens of service, Leila has changed the life of hundreds and hundreds of people.
I am the educator I am because of Leila Sackfield. But even more importantly, I am the PERSON I am because of Leila Sackfield.
Leila is the most brilliant, inspirational, and unwavering leader I have ever met. . She has lead our district with her true passion for children and education. It has been a pleasure to have served under her tutelage and leadership. Leila has always put children first with her depth of knowledge in curriculum. I will always live by her words of kindness... work hard and be nice. Leila, you will always hold a very special place in my heart. And you will truly be missed.
Leila,
There is no one more worthy of this nomination in our district. My entire 30 year career I have looked up to you, quite willingly followed your leadership and counted you as a friend. I truly believe that you ALWAYS made the decisions that you thought were best for kids. Over the years there have been some very challenging times, but you ALWAYS rose to the occasion and were not afraid to make the tough decision. When I think of you, I think of love and grace shared with all along with a core of steel. This district truly has been blessed by your leadership and I wish you a wonderful retirement. Well done good and faithful servant. Aloha.
Joan Bohnstedt
A name poem for you!
L-lovely S-supportive
e-effort beyond measure a-assertive
i-innovative c-compassionate
l-love, love, love k-kindhearted
a-always positive f-fantastic friend
i-imaginative
e-energetic
l-love, love, love
d-determined
Congratulations on this nomination! You deserve it! Thank you for your friendship, support, and encouragement over the years. I have always respected and trusted you! Enjoy your retirement! Since we are both retiring, maybe we can have lunch sometime! I love you! Mimi xoxoxo
The description of you Leila is so accurate. It speaks for many who are unable to share their words of praise for you. You truly are beautiful person inside and out and loved by many. I wish you all the happiness your future brings, especially getting to spend more time with the grandkids. ??????
Leila,
It has been a true honor to know and work with you. You always made us at Pioneer feel like we were special, that were could be amazing teachers and staff. You have a real gift, hard to put into words, but I am blessed that I was able to experience it. I wish you the best in your next adventures and hope to see you on social media. Thank you for your service in Escondido, it has made mine even more meaningful. -Tara
Leila has been the backbone of our district for many years. She is the force that gives our district its vision, and she is remarkably gifted in leadership. She never boasts, or lifts herself up to brag. She is humble and committed to the well being of others. Oh how our district has held it together through ups and down with Leila on the team. I have not met another leader as uplifting, empowering, and inspiring as Leila!
Very deserving! Sad to see her go, but happy to see her get recognition!
Leila, this nomination doesn't surprise me one bit. When we lost our AVID funding from the state, you stepped right up and helped us keep this amazing program going in EUSD. Your leadership has been vital to several of our students to go on to great things. Our district has produced soon to be doctors, lawyers, teachers, and civil rights leaders making our world a better place because of what you did. You have always had the backs of your teachers both in the schools you led and most importantly at the district level. Thank you, doesn't seem to be enough. This organization could not pick a better Life Changer than you.
Leila, When I think of a leader, one who leads with love and passion for their beliefs as well as an understanding of the needs of their organization and community, I think of YOU! I am grateful for the leadership and support you provided me and the opportunities you opened up so that I too can develop as a professional and a leader. You are and have been from the start of your career, a Life Changer - whether it be for students, families, colleagues, or the community as a whole! You've made a difference! When I think of Escondido Union School District, in both good times and bad, I found comfort knowing you were there to guide us in the right direction. You've been indispensable to our district and have made your mark! Congratulations on your retirement! You will be missed dearly but we are forever grateful and wish you the best as you continue on life's journey. I know God is looking down saying, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" Thank you for blessing us with your leadership for so many years! With love and respect, Gina Baldwin
Leila, I just wanted to take a moment to say, "Thank You" for everything! It would be impossible to try to list what you have accomplished for EUSD! It is immeasurable! On a personal level, I greatly appreciated all of your kind words when you visited my classroom. The students enjoyed your visits just as much! It was comforting to know you were there for support and guidance, and I felt it as an educator. You will be greatly missed but just know you made a real difference in our "Community of Learners," and your positive impact will last forever! Congratulations on receiving this honor, "Life Changer of the Year!" You've earned and deserve it! Sincerely, Christine Dietz
There I was on a stage with lights glaring down at me and an audience of eyes waiting for my words to come. I actually didn’t have any. I didn’t come prepared with a speech, as I never expected my name to be called. But as I stood out on that stage, one person’s glowing blond hair caught my eyes in an audience of hundreds of people. It was Leila Sackfield. There she was beaming with a smile and that was when I was able to speak. I began with thanking my beautiful family and incredible colleagues, but if there was one person's name I had to include in my San Diego County Teacher of the Year speech, it was Leila’s name who I needed to say.
Leila has literally been my constant in the 21 years of my teaching career. From my first day as a substitute teacher where she had the kindness to sit next to me in the teacher’s lounge at lunch and welcome me to the Orange Glen campus, to my very first interview for my first teaching position, to joining a new staff at a new school she was spearheading, to watching her grow in her leadership from vice principal to Deputy Superintendent of the Escondido Union School District. Leila has literally been an inspiration and a mentor from the moment I met her.
Leila’s Twitter handle is @principledlady, which to me describes her perfectly. From the play on words of her being an inspirational principal and school leader, to the very fabric of who she is where she is guided by her principles, her beliefs. She believes in leading with love and isn’t afraid to show her tremendous heart and giving spirit to all. Her most famous quote that I carry with me always is, “Assume positive intent.” With that in her heart she leads with empathy, and will always tell you the hard stuff in a kind way. She is a leader you know will have your back and will push you toward your strengths.
She is a bold leader not only in our schools, but also in the Escondido community. Recently a beautiful new “Escondido” sign was added to our historic downtown. This sign arches over Grand Avenue and the pillars that hold this sign have the names of those who helped to impact the community. Leila is a pillar in our community and her name is on that sign, as she has most definitely made her mark on our community at large. She has spent countless hours building partnerships with EUSD and the community.
I am proud to know Leila, proud to have worked under her, and proud to call her my friend. Leila, is most definitely a life changer… as she has changed my life and many others around me. This is just my small way to honor her work and attempt to thank her for all she has done for me and the Escondido community.
Leila,
Congratulations!
You always made it a point to come to our kindergarten classrooms at Lincoln. You were always so positive, friendly and had a smile on your face. You made me feel at ease when you walked in my classroom with that big smile of yours.
Leila was my principal at Rock Springs back in the day. Leila always exuded warmth, positivity, and encouragement. Her enthusiasm and knowledge of education came through each day.She is an excellent example of a lifelong learner, realizing that there is always more we can do to strive to be our best. I am so very proud of Leila's huge contributions to our district from teacher, to principal, to Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services. She has devoted her life to the betterment of our district.
Congratulations Leila! You have been a bright light in the Escondido Union School District for most of my career. We've looked to you for direction in all aspects of our student's education and our own continuing teacher education. Your classroom visits always left myself and my students feeling pretty good about what we were doing. I'm sad that you are retiring, but I know you will continue to contribute to others. You are an inspiration to us all! Thank you!
My mentor, friend and colleague. Thank you, Leila, for leading with an extraordinary passion. You have put in great efforts in leading with tolerance, kindness, and vision for what could be. You have worked tirelessly in ways that will touch and inspire for many generations and educators to come. You leave us with many beautiful memories and traditions. The knowledge and skills we have gained from you will continue to be shared to build school communities and a world grounded in enthusiasm for learning, connecting with others and love.
Leila, it has been an honor working with you for more than 20 years. Enjoy a well-deserved retirement!
For the 17 years I have worked with Leila she has always been the guiding light of our district! Always positive, consistently supportive, and an inspiration in hard times. She is unconditionally respected by her colleagues, she will truly be missed but never forgotten!
Though I haven't known her for as long as most, as this was only my 2nd year in the district, Leila is a big reason why I love working for EUSD. Leila has, on multiple occasions, given me personal encouragement and reassurances when she didn't have to. She has made me feel appreciated; just the fact that she took the time to know my name and face, as a new employee in a district as large as this one is, showed me that she truly cared. I appreciate her as well, and I hope the best for her during her retirement!
My mentor, friend and colleague. Thank you, Leila, for leading with an extraordinary passion. You have put in great efforts in leading with tolerance, kindness, and vision for what could be. You have worked tirelessly in ways that will touch and inspire for many generations and educators to come. You leave us with many beautiful memories and traditions. The knowledge and skills we have gained from you will continue to be shared to build school communities and a world grounded in enthusiasm for learning, connecting with others and love.
There is no one else more deserving of this nomination!!! Leila is a treasure. Leila, you treat all of our employees as your family. You’re compassionate, loving, kind and easy to work with. You take every new experience as a challenge, and you make everything look so easy. Thank you for being so amazing! I’m proud to work for you!
Leila,
I truly can't imagine EUSD without you and your leadership. "Leading With Love" has not just been something you say, but it is exactly how you live your life, each and every day! I feel so blessed to have been able to work with you for so many years. There are so many times and situations where I find myself asking, "What would Leila do in this situation?" because you are someone who makes decisions with thought, wisdom, and compassion. You act with grace and wisdom, even under tremendously difficult situations, and it is inspiring to see on a daily basis. Thank you for dedicating yourself to the Escondido community for so many years, in so many ways. You are a person who will be remembered for your selflessness, passion, and most of all, LOVE! Other than Coach Embrey, I can't think of anyone else in Escondido who has as many "fans" as you do. You are an amazing woman and we love you!
Leila, I hope you know that you have been our lighthouse! You could read books about great leaders, but we got to see one in our own district that epitomizes greatness. Thank you isn't enough. Words are not enough. I hope you feel the love from your staff how cherished you are. Your service, your care, and your professionalism are unparalleled. You have inspired others to reach higher and achieve more. We have all been so fortunate and grateful to work for Escondido Union with you- our support, mentor, and guide.
I congratulate you on your retirement. You will be missed but never forgotten. You have lifelong friends here and may we always be your home. Sincerely, Gwen Smith
Congratulations, Leila!!! You certainly deserve this recognition. Your hard work and unending passion for the children entrusted to us, seemed to be your guiding light. Your positivity, compassion, and dedication made you shine bright in our district. Thank you for your service. You will be missed, but your legacy will live on. You’ve been a blessing. Again, congratulations!!!