Eddie Courtemarche, a product of the Los Alamitos Shool District as a student. teacher, coach and administrator, can now add Principal to his resume after having taken over as the Principal of McAuliffe Middle School as of July 1, 2023.
Courtemarche grew up in Seal Beach and made quite a name for himself in local youth sports. In high school he focused on basketball and was the 2000 Sunset League Player of the year. After a successful career at Claremont-McKenna College, he returned to Los Al six years later as a teacher and an assistant to his basketball coach, Russ May.
Courtemarche then became the head coach at Paramount High and was so liked there the school made it difficult for him to return to Los Al as basketball coach when Russ May departed for Cerritos JC in 2013. Courtemarche then came to Los Al and was a very successful basketball coach until he stepped down after the 2021 season, to become the Vice-Principal for Activities, Arts, Athletics & Facilities.
Eddie, who attended McGaugh and McAuliffe, as a youngster, is the son of long-time Seal Beach residents Dennis and Kathy Courtemarche. Dennis served a long tenure as city manager of Seal Beach and some other local cities before he retired and focused on watching almost every game Eddie coached at Los Al.
Below is the official press release from the Los Alamitos School District
“I am delighted to announce that, following an extensive and thorough selection process, we have chosen Mr. Eddie Courtemarche to serve as the next principal of McAuliffe Middle School, beginning July 1, 2023,” announced Supt. Andrew Pulver, Ed.D., in an email to the families of McAuliffe students last week.
“Mr. Courtemarche emerged as the top candidate from a pool of highly qualified individuals, participating in a competitive selection process that involved input from various stakeholders, including certificated and classified staff, parents, Board of Education Members, and administration. As Dr. Weiss-Wright transitions into his new role within the District, Mr. Courtemarche will work closely with him and the dedicated McAuliffe staff to ensure a seamless leadership transition,” said Pulver.
“Mr. Courtemarche is a familiar face in our Los Al USD community, currently serving in his second year as the assistant principal responsible for overseeing activities, athletics, arts, and facilities at Los Alamitos High School,” said Pulver in the email.
“Prior to his administrative role, he held positions as a government, economics, and US history teacher, and boys’ basketball coach at Los Alamitos High School. With 13 years of experience as a teacher and a coach, Mr. Courtemarche possesses a deep understanding of secondary education, curriculum, team building, professional development, and effective learning strategies that support all students,” he added.
“Mr. Courtemarche exemplifies the qualities of an enthusiastic, diligent, and inclusive leader who holds a profound dedication to our District and the achievements of our students, staff, and Los Al USD community. His excitement about joining the McAuliffe family is palpable, and he eagerly anticipates fostering a collaborative environment while working alongside the entire Eagle community. I have every confidence that Mr. Courtemarche’s experience, expertise, and passion for students and their education will greatly benefit the students, staff, and families of McAuliffe,” the superintendent said.
Courtemarche’s academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government with an emphasis in Economics from Claremont McKenna College, as well as a Masters of Education degree from National University.
On a more personal note, the new McAuliffe principal resides in Westminster with his wife, Erin, and their three daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his girls, and when he’s not engaging in dress-up, dance, and tea parties, he enjoys golfing and cheering on the Dodgers.
