New Las Lomas High Principal, New Era

Matt Campbell, the new principal of Las Lomas High School, taps away at the computer in his office. He is setting up a Twitter account for Las Lomas. "This way we can update parents and students instantly on things," he explains. His iPhone lies nearby on his desk.  No question about it – this is the dawning of a new era. 

Campbell, 43, was hired by the Acalanes Union High School District Governing Board last spring to replace longtime Las Lomas Principal Pat Lickiss. When school starts next week it will be the first time in 30 years that Lickiss, who retired last June, will not be on campus. Campbell, who comes to Las Lomas after serving as Vice Principal at Hart Middle School in Pleasanton, knows he's got a tough act to follow and assures that he's in contact with his predecessor.

"I want to honor Pat in a lot of ways because he has been such a great education leader." Campbell said. "I have met with him many times; he has been very gracious and generous with his time."

But while Campbell is intent on maintaining the high standards Lickiss set for Las Lomas, he is all ready overseeing innovations.

For example, when school opens next week there will be a new high tech edge in the classrooms – the Extron system. Although its name sounds like something out of Star Trek ("Spock, have Scotty check the Enterprise's Extron system"), it is a system used to integrate computer, video, and audio into presentation displays for seamless streaming and projection of educational content.

"This is a state of the art technology that provides an excellent teaching tool," Campbell explained.  "It is a direct result of Measure E passed in 2008. The District is using those funds to bring new technology into the classroom."

Campbell, who currently is earning his doctorate in education from St. Mary's College in Moraga, also understands the importance of the human non-technological component in education. To this end, he would like to implement a mentorship program at Las Lomas.

"We know that if students have a connection to at least one adult on campus they will be more successful in school whether it is a vice principal, custodian or teacher," he explained. "So we are going to look at creating a mentorship program to link up a student with an adult on campus. I've done it at the middle school level and it was terrific."

Campbell also would like to develop an organizational skills training program for Las Lomas students.  

"Many students struggle with organizational skills," he said. "Sometimes their backpack is a black hole where school work disappears. It may be helpful to have someone help them go through their backpacks once a week or to have organizational skills workshops. As educators, sometimes we may be in a better position to talk to kids about this than parents. Kids at this age are trying to break away from their parents so we can say something to them without triggering the emotional response a parent would."

But Campbell is in fact grateful for the 1 to 300 ratio of counselors to students at Las Lomas. In Pleasanton, the counseling ratio is 1 to 700.

"Here we have five counselors for 1450 students. We are very fortunate," he said.

Campbell also expressed his gratitude for the community's financial support for education. He said that this is the key reason that he did not have to lay off any teachers or eliminate any classes or programs.

"This community is so supportive in passing parcel taxes and bond measures.  Because of that the Acalanes Union High School District is in a fortunate place compared to many other districts in California. Without that money this school and the school district would look very different."

A former high school athlete, Campbell is also excited about working with the Las Lomas athletic programs. He hopes to continue to maintain what he calls their "top notch" quality.  At the moment, though, as he contemplates the start of his first year as Las Lomas principal, Campbell basically just wants to get to know everyone. 

"My plan is to learn as much as I can learn about students, staff culture of school," Campbell said. "My plan is to build upon successes and see what needs to be improved. There is an incredible richness to being here at this school with a faculty that is so student-centered. I am excited to be here. I look forward to meeting as many parents as possible and working with their sons and daughters."

Matt Campbell At a Glance

Age: 43

Birthplace: Billings, Montana.  Family moved to Pleasanton when he was in 6th grade

Education: Amador Valley High School, Pleasanton. Bachelor's in history from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, MA Lesley College, Massachusetts. Currently earning PhD in education at St. Mary's College.

Family: Married with two sons, ages 2 and 4

Career: Eight years as a high school social studies teacher, three at Dublin High School and five at Amador Valley High School, his alma mater. Vice Principal at Foothill High School for four years and two years as Principal of Hart Middle School, both in Pleasanton. 

Personal: Campbell played football, baseball and basketball in high school. He was his high school's starting quarterback.