Northgate High School
Principal's Message: May 25, 2009
Dear Northgate Community,
As most of us know, Measure D, the Parcel Tax for Mount Diablo Unified School District failed, and the Governor's initiatives to bring additional money for education in California failed. This has raised many questions regarding the future of programs and personnel at Northgate High School.
The fact is, we do not have many answers at this time. We must wait for the state to complete the budget process in light of the defeat of the ballot initiatives, which may not even happen until midsummer (if then).
While the budget process continues, it is critical we keep a positive approach and be prepared to battle for the programs we cherish at Northgate High School. I sincerely believe we will emerge from this process with a solid academic, athletic, and co-curricular program!
As I mentioned earlier, there are few answers to many questions at this time, let me try to give you information that will help keep focus:
- While it is true the MDUSD Board cut athletics, Dr. Nicoll informed school Principals this morning that the board is looking at other ways to fund athletic programs in the district, including self-funding, foundation, and other possible alternatives.
- The district issued many lay off notices this year; in the past this has also been the practice and we have been able to return all teachers back to their positions (if they wanted to come back). Clearly this is a unique year and we will lose some teachers due to enrollment and budget cuts. I assure you, we will be proactive in hiring back our teachers as soon as possible and keep our dynamic staff intact.
- While the parcel tax failed, the district is looking forward to having a second try at a tax soon, perhaps this November. Research shows most districts pass a parcel tax on the second try.
I want to thank our amazing Measure D team led by led by Linda Loza and Carla Ludwig. Their tireless efforts organizing, phone banking, walking precincts, rallying outside the school, campaigning at grocery stores, and many other activities, is an inspiration for our entire community.
We may have lost the battle, but we will win the war to make Northgate the school our community deserves!
John McMorris
Principal - Northgate High School
mcmorrisj@mdusd.k12.ca.us
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