By Khalida Sarwari
Saratoga High School has a new assistant principal.
Eighteen-year educator Brian Thompson was appointed as the school’s new assistant principal by the trustees of the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District. He starts on July 1.
Thompson, 43, is coming from Branham High School, where he served as principal for three years. His last day at Branham is June 30.
During his tenure at Branham, Thompson added 22 new courses, increased the four-year college acceptance rate, expanded sections and increased enrollment in advanced placement courses and established a four-year Project Lead the Way program, according to a district press release.
“Project Lead the Way is a national program, so we brought in that curriculum to our school,” Thompson explained. “It’s a great engineering program for the students; it gives them great experience before they go to college for engineering.”
He began his career as a social studies teacher at Pioneer High School, then taught eighth-grade U.S. history in Nipomo in San Luis Obispo County before moving back to Pioneer in 2005 to teach. From there he transitioned into administration as an assistant principal.
During his career, he has worked with all student populations, including special education students and English learners.
According to the district, Thompson’s references praised his ability to build relationships and lead by example. Furthermore, they said he embraces innovation and works tirelessly to improve student learning while supporting their social and emotional health.
While he’s aware of the challenges he’ll likely face in familiarizing himself with a brand-new school and community, the new assistant principal said there’s a lot he’s looking forward to.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of a community that does whatever it takes to be in the best interest of the kids,” Thompson said. “I’m excited to work with [principal Paul Robinson] and to be a part of his team doing positive things for the kids, and I’m excited to learn from him and help him with school initiatives.”
Thompson holds a bachelor’s degree in social science and a master’s degree in education from San Jose State University. He was raised in San Jose and resides in Morgan Hill.
“Just growing up in this area and knowing the history of Saratoga and Los Gatos and the impact the schools have really is a great opportunity that I’m looking forward to being a part of,” he said.
Thompson has two elementary school-age sons and one daughter in middle school. His wife is also an educator.
Link: Thompson joins administration at Saratoga High School as AP
