Principal exits after only 5 months on job

The principal of Mill Valley Middle School, who previously worked in San Mateo and Alameda counties, has resigned after a tenure of about five months, the school district confirmed.

Jeremy Packman, who was appointed in June, left just after Thanksgiving, or about three months into the fall term. There was no formal announcement from the district or from Packman.

Kimberly Berman, superintendent of the Mill Valley School District, confirmed the resignation, but she declined to answer questions regarding the reasons or the circumstances surrounding Packman’s departure.

“Former MS principal Jeremy Packman has resigned his position as principal of MVMS,” Berman said in an email. “Recruitment efforts for a middle school principal will commence in the new year with staff, student and community input.”

Packman said in an email message Friday that he left for personal reasons.

“I resigned due to some serious family concerns that surfaced,” he said. “My full attention is needed to support them right now.”

He said he hasn’t had time to look for a new job because he is focused on the personal issues.

“It was a hard move to make,” he said.

Before his appointment at Mill Valley Middle School in June, Packman had more than 20 years of experience in public schools. Most recently, he was principal of Abbott Middle School in San Mateo.

Packman was also an assistant principal at Bohannon Middle School in the San Lorenzo Unified School District and at Montero Middle School in the Oakland Unified School District.

Packman’s starting salary at the middle school was $160,552.

The district has appointed Nicole Reyherme as acting principal, Berman said.

District trustee Emily Uhlhorn also declined comment on the circumstances of Packman’s resignation.

“Our team is continuing to prioritize academic growth for all, social emotional wellness and equity this school year,” Uhlhorn said in a text message. “After a difficult two years, we’re thrilled to have our students back in school full time — learning, socializing and growing.”