BAKER NEW LEADER AT EMBLEM SCHOOL.(News) - Daily News (Los Angeles, CA)

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Staff Writer

SAUGUS - He entered the field of education while training for the Olympics, but Jon Baker never imagined that his part-time interest to support his love of the luge would take him this far.

A dozen years after he placed third in the 1988 Winter Olympic trials, Baker has given up his ice trails for school hallways and was awarded the gold Tuesday with his appointment as principal at Emblem Elementary School in Saugus.

``I'm very excited,'' said Baker, who currently serves as assistant principal at Rio Vista Elementary School. ``Over time, it's just been a goal of mine.''

The 37-year-old Saugus man was chosen by Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Ron Saltinski to replace current Emblem Principal Jay Caulfield, who is taking a leave of absence next year.

Caulfield, who has been with the district for 30 years including 17 as principal, is taking time off for health reasons and is uncertain whether he will return.

Caulfield, 60, who has been taking periods of time off throughout the school year to fight a lung disease, spoke highly of Baker and welcomed his appointment.

``I'll feel a lot better knowing that he'll be there,'' Caulfield said. ``He's a very good match and has the right temperament.''

Baker also acknowledged Caulfield's commitment to the district and to teaching.

``He's put his heart and soul into that school,'' Baker said. ``I want to preserve the culture that Mr. Caulfield has established. I feel privileged to work there.''

It was after earning his degree in economics from the University of Redlands that Baker left California for Lake Placid, N.Y. He trained there for four years and participated in the Olympic trials.

From October to March that year, Baker traveled to Europe where he practiced his sport. The remaining months, Baker worked as a substitute teacher to pay for his training.

``It was the perfect job,'' Baker said. ``It was flexible.''

Although he never made it to the Winter Olympics in Calgary that year, he said his experiences were worthwhile.

``It was a part of my life that I loved,'' Baker said. ``I'm glad I had the experience.''

After the trials, Baker spent a year managing the national luge team before moving back to California, where he worked for a year doing sales and marketing for the Palm Springs Angels minor league team before going into teaching full time.

``It helped me prepare for challenges for myself,'' Baker said.

His first teaching job was as a physical education teacher in the Glendale School District. It was there that he developed a program to support the academic, social and emotional needs of students who are headed for trouble.

During his educational career, Baker returned to school several times and has since received his teaching credential, his master's degree in business administration and an administrative credential.

``I love kids,'' Baker said. ``It's been a rewarding job.''

Now Baker says he plans to put his focus on academics.

``My profession now is education,'' Baker said. ``I'd like to promote high academics and maintain a positive learning environment.''