Dear New Haven Families, Staff, and Community,

I am excited about the upcoming school year and feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to help lead our district. Having lived and worked in nearby East Bay communities for over two decades, I was well aware of the reputation and storied accomplishments of the New Haven Unified School District before coming to our district. During my first few weeks on the job, I have met with many people and groups that represent various district stakeholders. My meetings have validated that there are great things happening in our district, and I continue to be amazed at the number of students, staff, families and community members that are dedicated to our schools and community.

The ending of the 2018-19 school year was unfortunately stressful and chaotic for all of our students, families and staff members due to the prolonged teacher strike. As we transition to the new school year, it is important that we take time to think about all of the accomplishments, great work, and important relationships that were and continue to be present in our district. This will help us move past the events that occurred at the end of the last school year, and to move forward together into the new school year.

At the district level, we are very focused on making sure that we are ready to welcome our students and families back to school on August 21. We have been consulting with NHTA and CSEA leadership to make sure we are providing our staff with the time and resources they need to ensure that we have a great start to the year.

For those who are interested, we will be hosting a "meet and greet" event where families, community members, and staff members can come to meet me, ask questions, and learn more about how we are preparing for the upcoming school year. This event will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at James Logan High School on Wednesday, August 14.

I am looking forward to this event as well as to the start of the 2019-20 school year.

Sincerely,
John Thompson, Ed.D.

 

 

 

John Thompson began serving as the superintendent of the New Haven Unified School District in July of 2019. Prior to working in New Haven, Dr. Thompson served as an assistant superintendent in the San Leandro Unified School District for nine years where he was primarily in charge of human resources. Before coming to San Leandro, Dr. Thompson worked in the South San Francisco Unified School District for 16 years where he was a high school teacher, high school assistant principal, elementary principal, and assistant/associate superintendent.

With over two decades of public education service, Dr. Thompson has experience leading work in many areas of education including curriculum development, student services, special education, human resources, and labor relations. He also has led and implemented school bond related design teams and construction projects.

Dr. Thompson's educational background includes a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a master's degree in educational leadership from San Francisco State University, and a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of San Francisco. He is also credentialed to teach biology and general science.