Portola Valley is grieving the loss of Dan Flahavan, a cherished educator, athletic director, and mentor who passed away on April 16, 2025.
Dan’s death has left a huge void because he was deeply dedicated to his students and known for his enthusiasm and care.
His legacy, however, will continue to inspire the students, colleagues, and community he touched with his passion for education and sports.
Dan Flahavan was a cornerstone of the Portola Valley School District.
For over three decades, starting in 1993, Dan served as a Physical Education teacher and Athletic Director, shaping the lives of countless students at Corte Madera School.
He taught co-ed PE to grades 4 through 8, encouraging a love for movement, teamwork, and healthy living.
His classroom wasn’t just a gym but a place where kids learned life lessons about discipline, respect, and perseverance.
Dan’s journey into education began at California State University-Sacramento, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education Teaching and Coaching in 1991.
His talent and passion caught the eye of Jim Shroyer, the former superintendent of the Portola Valley School District, who observed Dan teaching a practice lesson during his final year at Sacramento State.
Impressed by his energy and connection with students, Shroyer offered him a job, marking the start of Dan’s remarkable career in Portola Valley.
In 2002, Dan furthered his expertise by earning a Master’s degree in Education from San Francisco State University.
This dedication to growth showed his belief that education was a lifelong pursuit, a value he instilled in his students.
As Athletic Director, Dan Was The Heartbeat Of Portola Valley’s Sports Programs
He supervised the popular Noon League, a lunchtime sports initiative that brought students together, and administered the district’s growing after-school sports program.
His ability to organize, motivate, and inspire made him a natural leader. Dan also served as Vice President of the Executive Board of the Portola Valley Teachers Association (PVTA), advocating for his fellow educators and strengthening the school community.
One of Dan’s proudest achievements was founding the Panthers Camp, a summer program in Portola Valley that has thrived for over 25 years.
Inspired by his training at Nike Mountain Air and Nike Tahoe Tennis Camps, Dan wanted to bring the same sense of adventure and camaraderie to his local community.
The camp became a cherished tradition, offering kids a chance to build skills, make friends, and create lasting memories under Dan’s guidance.
A photo from 2019 clearly shows Dan’s positive spirit. He is smiling with eighth-grade boys during a great basketball season, and you can see how proud he is of their growth.
Whether coaching basketball, volleyball, or track, Dan had a knack for making every student feel valued, no matter their skill level.
He celebrated their victories and encouraged them through setbacks, always with a warm smile and a kind word.
What Set Dan Apart Was His Genuine Care For Others
Colleagues describe him as a mentor who led by example, always putting students’ well-being first.
Dan’s lessons expanded beyond the gym. He taught his students about teamwork, resilience, and the importance of showing up for one another.
Dan kept his personal life private and had no public social media accounts. Instead, his professional work showed a lot about him.
He poured his heart into his work, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, compassion, and joy.
The Panthers Camp, the thriving sports programs, and the countless students who carry his lessons forward are testaments to his impact.
Dan Flahavan’s death marks the end of an era, but his influence will live on in Portola Valley.
The community is already finding ways to celebrate his memory, from dedicating sports events to creating scholarships in his name.
His life reminds us of the power of a single dedicated educator to change lives.
As Portola Valley mourns, there’s comfort in knowing that Dan’s spirit—his laughter, encouragement, and love for his students—will continue to echo through the fields and classrooms he called home.
Rest in peace, Dan.
