1. Patrick Kelley
Superintendent
District Support Center
41870 McAlby Court
Murrieta, CA 92562
(951) 696-1600
Fax (951) 304-1536
www.murrieta.k12.ca.us
Board of Education
Robin Crist
Kenneth C. Dickson
Paul F. Diffley III
Barbara Muir
Kris Thomasian
December 13, 2016
To Whom It May Concern,
It is my honor to recommend Mr. Tom Spillman with my highest possible support and
admiration. Mr. Spillman is an exceptional individual who brings integrity and a
coherent vision paired with remarkable results to his current position as the Dean of
Student Services at Mt. San Jacinto Community College. The leadership, work and
influence of Tom Spillman has positively impacted the landscape of K-14 public
education throughout Riverside County. His vision and courageous diligence has been a
catalyst to many systematic change initiatives for students. Though this important work,
Tom has removed barriers for students, so they can achieve their post-secondary
educational goals in a more timely and cost effective manner. He has shouldered the
work by partnering with school districts and charter schools, while carefully including
employee associations in the process of bringing college course work to qualified high
school students. Tom’s work is truly exceptional; saving millions of dollars for
Riverside County families as they are able to access both rigorous college curriculum
and career technical education pathways. He is a proven educational leader who has a
reputation on the State and national level. His vision has been contagious; his work with
RCOE has influenced the new accountability systems for the K-12 system for the
California State Department of Education. Mr. Spillman understands the high stakes
protocols surrounding educational reform and his actions and track record speak for
themselves.
Throughout my 20 years of working in education there are few leaders I have worked
with that host the qualities and quantifiable results that Tom Spillman has delivered. His
wisdom, experience and passion for student success is evident through his methodical
outreach efforts.
As a former high school principal and now school district administrator, I must tell you
that Mr. Spillman’s influence is irreplaceable in the Riverside County. He has brought a
new level of results based leadership to our County. In a traditional and highly
bureaucratic system, he has been the change agent who has opened avenues via
partnership agreements with higher education that are centrally focused on student
success. The pathways to higher learning and college readiness efforts are now
accessible to a much broader group of stakeholders. His work is cutting edge, yet
collaborative. Mr. Spillman is a man of many talents and gifts, but it is his drive and
engaging spirit that makes him unique. He sees the big picture and is able to provide
teams a very clear map for successful integration, support and delivery. If I can be of
assistance to Mr. Spillman as he seeks to promote his career or if you wish to discuss his
administrative abilities please feel free to contact me at 951-773-6177
Respectfully,
Sincerely,
Darren K. Daniel
Assistant Superintendent