It may seem early, but this time of year is when the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) often starts hearing of and hiring for positions that we know will be vacant next fall. As such, we are sad to see current Alameda High School principal, Angela Barrett, leave at the end of this year. But we are also excited to announce her replacement, Alex Harp.
Harp currently serves as the principal of both the East Bay Arts High School and Royal Sunset High School in the San Lorenzo Unified School District. Prior to that, he worked as a high school principal and assistant principal, a middle school principal and assistant principal, a human resources coordinator, an equity transformation consultant, and a middle school teacher.
“We feel fortunate in having found an administrator with broad experience, commitment to equitable practices, and skills as an instructional leader and educational thinker,” says Superintendent Pasquale Scuderi.
Harp received a BA in French from UCLA and did his Masters work at CSU East Bay. He earned his administrative credential through St. Mary’s College.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Alameda High School,” he says, “and I look forward to learning, leading, and working collaboratively with students, staff, families and the community to ensure positive and equitable outcomes for all.”
AUSD takes a multi-phased approach to hiring site administrators. The process begins with a screen of applications and a preliminary telephone interview and then proceeds to a panel interview with members of the school community. The final two steps are an interview with AUSD senior leadership and, finally, a one-on-one interview with the superintendent, who makes the final recommendation to the Board of Education.
No one person or panel is tasked with the exclusive selection of the final candidate. Instead, each phase helps to surface different characteristics and competencies of leaders, including a candidate’s educational background, experience, community-building skills, understanding of district goals and values, and vision for instructional leadership at the site. Ultimately, the superintendent makes a decision based on who they think will best lead students and staff in achieving the best outcomes for all.
By the way, AUSD regularly has open positions, including paraprofessionals, teachers, substitutes, health office assistants, administrators, food service staff, custodians, office workers, athletic coaches, and maintenance professionals. To see what’s currently available, please visit our job opportunities webpage.
Susan Davis is the Senior Manager of Community Affairs for the Alameda Unified School District. Reach her at [email protected].
