Gilroy
– When James Maxwell went searching for a high school to lead,
he didn’t expect to find a perfect match.
But the 52-year-old associate principal at Castro Valley High
School who has 19 years of administrative experience, 13 years of
classroom teaching under his belt and a progressive focus on
student achievement, says Gilroy High seems pretty darn close.
”
I am thrilled to be honest with you,
”
Maxwell said.
”
It’s not just a matter of them selecting me, but me selecting
them.
”
Gilroy – When James Maxwell went searching for a high school to lead, he didn’t expect to find a perfect match.
But the 52-year-old associate principal at Castro Valley High School who has 19 years of administrative experience, 13 years of classroom teaching under his belt and a progressive focus on student achievement, says Gilroy High seems pretty darn close.
“I am thrilled to be honest with you,” Maxwell said. “It’s not just a matter of them selecting me, but me selecting them.”
During the two–day interview process last week, Maxwell felt comfortable meeting with parents and district officials, and realized Gilroy was a place he could call home.
Superintendent Edwin Diaz introduced Gilroy High’s next principal to the press Wednesday saying he was clearly the top choice.
“We feel very fortunate,” Diaz beamed. “Hiring a high school principal is one of the most difficult hires in a district. We are really pleased.”
According to Diaz, the pool of candidates was surprisingly strong, considering the timing so late in the summer. He listed a number of strengths that made Maxwell stand above the competition including his extensive resume – more than 30 years of education experience – strong math and science background, and ability to communicate with staff and parents.
Maxwell, who grew up in Burlingame as the oldest of nine children, said the district’s focus on student achievement, accountability and progressive approach to improvement is what made it a good fit for him.
He adheres to a saying he learned from a colleague years prior: “A good administrator wears out the soles of his shoes, not the seat of his pants.”
Maxwell places a high value on state achievement tests and Academic Performance Index scores, lauding them for holding students to a concept of understanding, rather than flat competition. His philosophy includes communication with staff – making certain they are all on the same page – and with parents – ensuring that they are heard.
“Most reasonable people – if you listen to them … even if you don’t agree … feel they were a part of the process,” he explained.
In answering a question about the relationship of the school to the community, he made one thing clear: “I want Gilroy to be really proud of this high school. I want all the people who live here in Gilroy to want to send their kids to Gilroy High School. I will mark my success when people don’t flee to private schools.”
For the past four years Maxwell served as associate principal at Castro Valley High School, a single comprehensive high school in a unified school district with about 2,700 students, where he focused on curriculum and instruction.
There he helped develop a program to help students pass the California High School Exit Exam and to solidify their math skills. One component featured repeating algebra. Students who failed to earn a C-minus grade or higher at Castro Valley are required to repeat the course for credit, a move Maxwell feels encourages students to understand the subject matter and gives them the confidence to continue studying math.
“There is a high correlation for the completion of Algebra II and (a student) finishing a four year college,” he said.
Maxwell has spent nearly the past two decades in high school administrative positions in both the San Mateo Union High School District and Castro Valley Unified School District. He earned an undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of California, San Diego and graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory in 1970, a private Catholic school in San Jose.
Inspired by his college chemistry teacher and a priest at his high school, Maxwell pursued a degree in education, earning his teaching credential and masters of science and education at California State University, Hayward.
“When you’re in education, you have a huge influence on people,” Maxwell said.
He told a story about a friend and professional graphic artist who came to visit him at school one day. While chatting, she asked if a certain teacher was still there – she remembered a stinging comment the teacher had made long ago in an art class when he told her, “You are going to be a stewardess.” Maxwell asked if she wanted to inform the teacher of her current status. She declined, but Maxwell told the teacher the story.
“What you (say) means something,” Maxwell stressed, nodding his head for emphasis.
When the position opened in late June, district officials were left scrambling to find a replacement – a challenge in the summer months since most school administrators already have plans in place for the fall.
After receiving about 25 applications for the position, the top seven candidates were interviewed last week by three panels of GHS parents, students and teachers, as well as GUSD board members, staff and citizens at large.
“I like him very much,” said Tom Bundros, one of three GUSD board members who served on the panels. “I’m excited that he’s bringing a perspective on math and science to the high school … I think it’s one of his strong suits and will fit in really well with the accountability process that we’re implementing.”
Maxwell’s resume made a positive impression on GUSD board member Rhoda Bress as well.
“He comes with just a wealth of experience,” Bress said. “His experience in teaching and his strong academic background should serve the students well.”
Maxwell’s past employers praised his ability to communicate with parents and teachers, support student activities and strengthen academic programs.
“I was impressed by his balanced perspective, his willingness to work hard, his commitment to building relationships, and his dedication to improving his craft,” Ann Rarden, a retired principal Maxwell once served under, wrote in a letter of recommendation.
Being a high school administrator has meant spending time on weekends and in the evenings away from his family. Any free time he has, Maxwell spends with his two children, a first–grader and third–grader, and wife who is an English Language educator.
He replaces Bob Bravo who resigned to accept an administrative position in the East Bay.
