High school principal Katherine Hadden started as a substitute
After 36 years in education – all in Geyserville – Katherine Hadden is retiring. “I started as a substitute teacher,” said the outgoing principal of New Tech Academy, the high school in the Geyserville Unified School District. “My husband and I moved up here from San Luis Obispo.”
Hadden gradually took on more responsibility at the high school, teaching English, helping at the continuation school and becoming a counselor and assistant principal before taking on the principal job. She continued her own education as well, adding to her English degree from Cal Poly with an administrative credential from San Francisco State.
“I’ve never had a desire to go to a bigger district,” Hadden said recently. “Working here in Geyserville has given me a great sense of accomplishment.”
Hadden cited the supportive community as one of the district’s greatest strengths. “When you have a basketball game, the whole town shows up to support its schools.”
Retirement was on Hadden’s agenda a year ago, but the late Joe Carnation, who was district superintendent at the time, persuaded her to stay another year while Geyserville High School made the transition to New Tech Academy, with a greater emphasis on technology, project-based learning and a collaborative approach.
Hadden believes the small school – the rural high school typically has about 80 students – contributes to a safe and friendly environment. “If we have a problem here, we can get on it right away. The kids won’t tolerate it.”
Does she have any regrets about leaving? “I’ll miss the camaraderie of the staff and the kids are just wonderful, but it’s time,” she said.
Hadden’s replacement is Debbie Bertolucci.
