This year, the Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) is honored to welcome Dr. Courtney Goode as District Superintendent. With experience in San Diego as a former principal, Goode’s leadership and open-minded spirit have shone bright during his first weeks in the district.
“[Being a] superintendent is a position I’ve aspired to [pursue] since I was a high school principal in San Diego 15 years ago. I had the fortune of working with a superintendent who saw more in me than I saw in myself at the time. He was deeply influential in my journey as a leader, and even to a lesser extent, as a person,” Goode said.
Transitioning into a new workplace can be challenging when faced with a different culture and work environment, yet Goode finds the TUHSD environment to be a perfect fit. After the work he’s done so far by connecting with students, staff and getting used to his new home, Goode explains how TUHSD has greatly exceeded his expectations.
“I’m incredibly excited and honored to be here, and I’d like to get to know as many people as possible,” Goode said. “I’ve absolutely loved [working at TUHSD]. I feel like I’m living a charmed life. I really like the area and the people. And to be in a position like this is very fulfilling personally and professionally, because I know I’m making a difference in the lives of kids and staff.”
Goode has particularly connected with senior Nolan DeForrest. DeForrest first met Goode while working at a local bike shop, where Goode sparked a conversation.
“[Goode] seems very personable and can relate to people very well, especially students, [which is a] useful quality in a superintendent. Not a big, scary business guy, [he’s] more down to earth,” DeForrest said.
Goode shares what drew him most to joining the TUHSD community. He found that topics such as Bond Measure B, with its ability to restore certain TUHSD facilities, along with access to public education, stood out to him, matching his principles as an educator.
“I wanted to make sure there was an alignment with my values and the values of the district and the community. A couple of things that really stood out to me as I was contemplating applying were the community’s passage of Measure B. That clearly demonstrated to me that this is a community that places a high value on public education as a transformational opportunity for kids,” Goode said.
DeForrest suggests a few tips for Goode as he embarks on his journey at TUHSD.
“I hope Goode enjoys the many people here [throughout TUHSD], because they’re all very nice and smart kids that [maybe] not a lot of other jobs or districts [have],” DeForrest said. “[Goode should] listen to the students, because they’re good people and have good ideas.”
Along with his leadership and ability to connect with students on several levels, Goode is making it his mission to show students that being superintendent does not mean he’s an intimidating figure.
“I think there’s a thought in some people’s minds [that being] the one in charge [means I am] too busy or unapproachable. I don’t believe that,” Goode said. “I want people to see me as approachable and [someone who is] there for them. As you see me around, don’t hesitate to bend my ear.”
