TCHS Alumni News - Craig Morgan Takes Principalship at Goleta Area School

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Craig Morgan Takes Principalship at Goleta Area School

May 03, 2004 -- (Editor's note: The Goleta Valley Voice recently printed this article about former TCHS Principal Craig Morgan. Morgan provided valuable assistance and contacts during the founding of TCHS Alumni News. --Ed.)

Principal takes turn at Turnpike

By Jeff Jones, Staff Reporter

Craig Morgan is definitely Old School. He still enjoys catching waves, holding hands near the tide line and watching teen sports.

The new San Marcos principal isn’t concerned about the traffic to and from Ventura, or the fact it’s usually dark by the time he hits his "Welcome" mat.

"My wife Debbie and I met body surfing at Newport Beach many, many years ago," Morgan said. "It was always our hope to own a beach house. This is a dream come true. Sometimes the surf is so loud it wakes us up."

Born in Pasadena, Morgan grew up in the San Gabriel Valley.

While attending Arroyo High School in El Monte, he opened huge holes for running backs on the football team.

"I wasn’t very good really," said the soft-spoken man who is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 260 pounds. "But I liked the physical part of the game and quickly learned good sportsmanship. I guess I was always a pretty nice guy."

In 1971, after a three-year stint in the Navy, Morgan went to Cal Poly Pomona, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He received a Master’s in Educational Administration from California State University in Los Angeles some 25 years ago.

Sandwiched between degrees, Morgan coached boys’ and girls’ after-school sports and taught science in the El Monte Union High School District. He was back home near his old high school.

"It was something to return to the same district," Morgan said. "I became involved in new innovative teaching strategies and curriculum development. Education was changing dramatically."

Morgan remained with El Monte Union. He rose to the position of Assistant Principal of Activities in 1990 at Rosemead High School.

"I was responsible for the supervision of all students, and discipline consequences, both inside the classroom and off campus," Morgan recalled. "I, too, was accountable — for the employment, selection and evaluation of much of the school’s personnel."

He continued in that role until 2000, when Board members selected Morgan as the new principal at Temple City High School. He was still in the San Gabriel Valley. But the trips to Newport Beach had become fewer and farther between.

After hearing about the opening at San Marcos, Morgan jumped at the chance. Offered other positions within the Santa Barbara School District, Morgan opted to run the Royals’ campus.

"I wanted to come to San Marcos for several reasons," Morgan said. "The timing was right. More important was the school’s reputation for great faculty, students and parents. The other was the unique block scheduling set-up."

Block scheduling allows students to complete more courses each year than a traditional schedule with 6 periods a day. Classes run for 90 minutes instead of 50.

"Our kids can complete eight classes per semester rather than the typical six," Morgan said. "Consequently, we can offer a richer academic variety of classes and more Advanced Placement courses."

Students scoring a three, four or five on Advanced Placement exams can usually earn credit toward college undergraduate courses. A one or two means no Advanced Placement credits. The block schedule also enables students to attend Santa Barbara City College with more ease than the traditional schedule does.

"Many students can go that route because of gaps in a schedule," Morgan said. "Others take advantage of internships in a particular field. They find out early if that’s a career they want to pursue."

The success rate of San Marcos students taking AP exams is impressive. Last year, 96 percent of those taking the exam earned a 3, 4 or 5 in Biology and Calculus, 87 percent did in Chemistry and 86 percent did in European History.

"This gives students a big head start for college," Morgan said. "It’s a unique system, especially on the West Coast. There are other high school block schedules in the state, but I believe ours is one of the best. Exit exam test scores bear that out."

Morgan is also pleased with the range of talents students bring to campus. Many transfer to San Marcos because of the block scheduling, while others see opportunities once they arrive.

"We have a very diverse student population," Morgan said. "There are those in more need of assistance and those who already are high-achievers. We’re fortunate to have a student body rich in backgrounds."

Morgan has formed a task force focusing on underachieving, socio-economically disadvantaged students.

"We’re conducting a one-year study here while looking at successful educational practices elsewhere," Morgan said. "Then we’ll formulate a plan how to best assist those students."

With Morgan’s background in the Navy, on the football field and behind an administrator’s desk, he wants everyone to treat one another with respect.

"I expect our students to behave, do well in class and be polite," Morgan said. "Watching students succeed in after-school activities is another reason San Marcos is so special and why I’m here."

Attending those events is also one reason Morgan is often late getting home. But the principal has a "no worries" new school attitude. Summer and the surf will come soon enough.

(Photo omitted: Craig Morgan congratulates Julie Holst, this year’s San Marcos High Homecoming Queen. Courtesy photo)

(c) Copyright Goleta Valley Voice, Goleta CA

Goleta Valley Voice

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Madeleine	Jul 23, 2005	Nova Scotia	editor
Hi! Who wrote this article? Thanks!


Editor	Jul 30, 2005
Originally by Jeff Jones, Goleta Valley Voice.