On May 23, Superintendent Randall Booker recommended Lowell High School’s current principal Dr. Mike Jones to be Aragon’s next principal after Arbizu announced her departure earlier this semester.
In the hiring process, candidates were first screened and vetted based on a variety of requirements, including any prior experience in education. Afterwards, the remaining candidates were interviewed by two committees composed of teachers, assistant principals, staff, parents and students. One committee looked for expertise in community and behavior while the other focused on curriculum and instruction. Candidates who got past the first rounds were then interviewed by the San Mateo Union High School District Board of Trustees.
“If, at any point, a person is advanced through all of the stages and [Booker] meets with [them] and feels like they’re not qualified or [are] not a good fit, he would stop the process and [it would] start all over again,” said assistant principal Andrew Hartig.
Dr. Jacki Horejs, a consultant from the search firm Leadership Associates, was hired to find candidates that fit the position. She surveyed community members about what characteristics they wanted to see in the next principal, the strengths of the district and what challenges the new principal might face.
“We take all of that input and use it to put together a position description,” Horejs said. “We’re able to find out through the questioning of these candidates in the [interviews] if they have the skills and the characteristics that people are looking for.”
Booker described the specific qualities that led him to recommend Jones.
“He has a wealth of experience, [being] former principal at Lowell High School, [which is a highly] academic school like Aragon,” Booker said. “He understands the challenges that Aragon [faces], like providing emotional support for a diverse student population and … [navigating] academic success for students: not every single student has to take a kajillion [Advanced Placement] classes, but for those that want to, [we have to] support [them and] create a community where you’re free to [take the classes] you want to [without] some external force.”
Beyond the resume, Jones possessed several advantageous character traits.
“Personally, one of the things I really enjoyed about Dr. Jones is that when he speaks, you want to listen,” Booker said. “He absolutely draws you in.[Aside from] his style of speaking … what he has to say [is] extremely thoughtful. His wealth of experience comes through conversationally [and] his ability to listen and communicate [draws] you in.”
Students spoke about what qualities and backgrounds they believe are important.
“Important characteristics for a principal [are] someone who’s approachable and can work well with anyone,” said freshman Lincoln Elliott. “Experience-wise, you should definitely have experience in leadership roles where you’re on the top of the pyramid.”
Some mentioned how having experience in different roles can contribute to an administrator’s perspective.
“Having classroom experience [as a] principal [is important] because they know what students feel like inside of the classroom,” said freshman Tyler Rivera. “The principal can [understand] what the teachers have to go through and how the students react toward certain changes.”
Others added their thoughts.
“Showing up to school events is important,” said junior Keira McLintock. “Showing that you’re part of the community, you want to be involved and you care about what’s going on at the school outside of just your job outline. General kindness and willingness to learn and adapt, because all schools are different.”
Many students shared their thoughts on the inclusion of community input.
“Adults don’t always do a great job listening to kids,” McLintock said. “[A few years ago], they sent out a form asking if we wanted to keep the bell schedules on even intervals. Most of the people I know [preferred] that, [but] it wasn’t implemented and there were a lot of complaints. I don’t have super high expectations.”
Students expressed their overall sentiments on getting a new principal.
“As sad as I am to see Principal Arbizu go, because she was a great principal, I think that change is always a good thing,” Elliott said. “And who knows? Maybe we’ll be able to have new opportunities with a new leader.”
The Board will officially confirm Aragon’s next principal on May 23.
