Janet Drain Delaney

March 27, 1954 - January 4, 2024

school while singing Joni Mitchell songs. At an early age, she enjoyed composing poems and songs. Her dad being an English teacher was a big influence in her budding writing interest, and Janet’s years of classical piano training influenced her to write songs. At one point in her career, Janet’s English classroom at Kearny High School was located across the hall from her dad’s classroom. All the kids thought that was cool and asked when her mother would be coming.

Janet received her B.A. Major in English and Teaching Credential at U.S.I.U., and her M.A. in Education, and Administrative Credentials at San Diego State University. She was a member of numerous professional affiliations and enjoyed interacting with the business community. Her entire educational career of nearly 33 years was at San Diego Unified School District, and included English teacher at Morse High School, Kearny High School (her alma mater) and Patrick Henry High School, and ESL Curriculum Writer, Lincoln Magnet Resource Teacher, and Director of

Community Relations. Janet’s final assignment as Director of Community Relations included Partnerships In Education (PIE). Janet had the best job in the School District.

PIE’S mission was to engage the business community’s expertise with all the schools within the School District. This enrichment by the business community and Navy was in the form of mentoring, internships, scholarships, tutoring, and other forms of active involvement with the schools and students.

Janet would set up formal Partnership Agreements between a school and a Partner. She would meet with individual businesses and match their talents with the needs of the individual schools. When Janet retired in 2009, the School District had over 1,500 active Partnerships.

PIE was so successful that it was recognized as a model for the State, and PIE was awarded the highly coveted Golden Bell award by the State. Janet and the Superintendent also met with Governor Schwarzenegger. Janet indicated that the “Guvernator” was a real charmer.

The Navy Mayor of San Diego invited Janet for a week out at sea onboard the aircraft carrier Constellation, to see what Navy life was about. She stayed in a female officer’s cabin. Janet was catapulted off the ship in an aircraft when she departed, along with her breakfast.

Another one of Janet’s assignments was being in charge of the School

District’s new school Naming Committee. A student from Mira Mesa wanted a new school to be named Jonas Salk Elementary. Dr. Salk’s family had his name copywritten, and Janet had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Peter Salk of La Jolla to facilitate the granting of the School District’s request to name a school after his father.

Janet’s dream of writing a book featuring all her poems and songs was fulfilled by her husband. The book, titled “My Life In Poems & Songs” includes a Tribute To My Wife, About The Author, a collage of personal photos, and a collection of 48 poems and songs. The book is the culmination of her works, and it gives one a glimpse of her creativity.

Janet’s writings include the following six topics: Religion, Love, Identity, People, Imagery-places, and Songs. The poem entitled, “Winnie Mae,” was a tribute to Janet’s grandmother, whom she visited often in Colorado. Her love of the ocean and surfing at Law Street in Pacific Beach inspired her to write “Ocean” and “The Blue Window” both located in the Love section. “Waterfront,” located in the Imageryplaces section, identifies Delaney’s Grill---“home of the Happy Dog” was written before meeting her future husband.

Janet’s Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Inquiries for more information regarding her Memorial Service can be forwarded to michaelgdelaney@msn. com.