Mr D is retiring

The one...the only...the amazing Rich Determan is hanging up his hat and retiring this June. Say it isn't so! 

Rich has been in education for 38 years- from his start as an 8th grade teacher at Good Shepard (79-80), to social studies teacher at Capitola Junior High (80-81), to a self contained 8th grade classroom at Opportunity School (81-92), to guidance counselor at Rolling Hills (92-97) and Aptos Junior High (97-10), to AP at AJHS (10-14), to his swan song as principal at  Mar Vista Elementary(14-18).  

He has always had a strong sense of community and has brought that with him to every school he has been a part of. We felt it at Mar Vista and have been thankful for his time here. He brought back traditions that had gone by the wayside and started some new ones that will continue on in his legacy. 

As a community, we want to celebrate Rich and give him something to honor his years of service to education and give back to him what he has given to so many throughout the years.

We hope to crowdfund enough money to go towards the purchase of a Kubota RTV500 ride on tractor, so he can take on the back 40 of his property and enjoy his retired life to its fullest! 

If you would prefer donating in person, please stop by the Mar Vista Elementary office or send it to:


Mar Vista Elementary
6860 Soquel Dr
Aptos, CA 95003 
Attn: Risa