Since 1899: A Tradition of Quality Education Building an Education Tradition in Shasta County Insights to the History of the Shasta Union High School District as seen through the eyes of the Superintendents by Michael Moynahan Cover,Content and SUHSD Logo designed by Nancy L. Williams (ret. SUHSD 5/2008) © Michael Moynahan 2009 ° Published by the SUHSD Building an Education Tradition Insights to the History of the Shasta Union High School District as seen through the eyes of the Superintendents by Michael Moynahan Since 1899 Since Redding in the Late 1800's Table of Contents iv • Acknowledgements vii • Introduction 1 • History in the Making: A Tradition Begins 3 • A Brief History of the Shasta Union High School District 11 • Modern Era Architects of Education: The Superintendents 13 • Chapter 1 - The Richard Haake Epoch 29 • Chapter 2 - The Time of Joseph Appel 41 • Chapter 3 - The Donald Demsher Age 53 • Chapter 4 - The Rob Slaby Period 63 • Chapter 5 - The Michael Stuart Era 87 • Chapter 6 - The Jim Cloney Commencement 95 • Reflections 97 • Shining Stars: Notable Graduates 107 • Conclusion 111 • Appendix 112 • Principals/Superintendents 113 • Trustees of the Governing Board of the SUHSD 114 • Works Cited 121 • Index 129 • About the Author Building an Education Tradition in Shasta County iii >> Teamwork “Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to 1908 Girls' Basketball Team the present."” — Albert Camus Acknowledgements When I began this project in July of 2006, I had no idea the amount of research and time it would entail before it was completed. However, the real eye-opener for me was the energy and passion that would be generated by the people who helped me to complete this work. To these people, I owe much. They became the glue that put this project in place during the times of dead ends; creative problem-solving and a game plan that would be altered many times over again to meet the objective of telling a story--a story that needed to be told about an incredible school district and the students and a staff that would continue to serve the needs of its students in a constantly changing and dynamic world over the span of 110 years. To all of you…thank you! This project began when I applied for “The Project Teacher” assignment, which was negotiated by the Shasta Secondary Employees Association (SSEA) in the early 2000s. As a former lead negotiator for the SSEA, I was originally thinking of a booklet outlining the negotiations procedures put in place within the District over the course of many years. However, Michael Stuart and Associate Superintendent Randy Brix, thought differently. They knew that my long-time association with the district and my love of history was a nice combination and recommended that I undertake the history of the SUHSD as my project. What do you say to your bosses under those circumstances? So here I am three years later, thanking them, among others. It would be unthinkable to begin my statements of gratitude with anyone other than Marsette Ford, Executive Assistant to both Michael Stuart and now Jim Cloney. When first seeking advise about how to ascertain information necessary for this project she told me that iv Building an Education Tradition in Shasta County the Board Minutes would be a good place to start since they were accurate and accessible…. so we thought. After hunting for these documents in basements, attics, warehouses and long-hidden boxes within the confines of the district buildings, we brushed off the cobwebs, literally, and put together the missing links for the first time in many years. Since that time, Janet Peterson has scanned all Board Minutes and they are now available on-line for the world to see. Mike Vincelli has courageously helped me to understand the system that brings them to my computer on a daily basis for research at home….a great improvement from carrying around the vast piles of documents. Mike is also responsible for making me “computer-savvy,” a feat deemed impossible for those who know my computer skills. When I first began, I spent countless hours researching information at the Record Searchlight and learning how to extrapolate information from the microfiche and its machine in the back room. Diane Evans was the one with the patience and know-how to continue to serve my needs during this process. George B. Burke, the author of the first history of the SUHSD met with me and encouraged me to put in the time and effort that the district deserved. He served as a teacher and Vice-Principal at Central Valley (1955-1977) for many years putting the document, “The Shasta Union High School District--A Changing Institution, 1899-1968” in place for people like me who were interested in the early facts and history of our district. He was 93 years old when I interviewed him in 2006 and to this day is still going strong. During this entire process I was determined to make this story a personal one. I interviewed numerous people who were either recommended to me by people in the know or people I have known in my 42 years as both a teacher and student of the Shasta Union High School District . These people had a story to tell and I wanted to bring their expertise and passion into this paper with the same excitement they generated in our interviews. I personally could not have done that without the insights and recollections of former Superintendents Richard Haake, Michael Stuart, Donald Demsher and current Superintendent Jim Cloney. Former principals were extremely helpful with their first-hand knowledge of issues that only they could share. These include the late Charles Denny, principal of Enterprise High School (1955-1973), the late John Riley, principal of Central Valley High School (1965-1985) and Jack Schreder, principal of Nova High School (1967- 1974). Aside from the numerous people who are quoted in this paper, many went above and beyond in keeping me informed and updated throughout this project. Without their return calls and encouragement this paper would still be in progress. They are the late Al Weissberg, Donald Moore, Bill Fitzgerald (whose paper on Enterprise High School was very informative), Tom Carroll, Margaret Kennedy, Bob Johnson, John Olsen, Bob Eaton, Ross Hamilton, Pam Lilienthal and Don Woolford. A paper of this magnitude, which includes so many facts and raw data, must constantly be interpreted and updated for accuracy. This could not have been done without the vigilance and energy provided by former Chief Business Official (CBO) Gary Poertner and especially the present CBO, Art Schmitt. He has been beyond patient and extremely helpful with the many details it took to put all of the statistics in a practical, regimented and accurate order. Thank you to you both. It takes an awful lot of time and organizational skill to properly put the finished product together in a professional manner. That is where I leave and others come in to this picture. Victoria Rendes and Alan Spivey were the editors who worked hard to make me look good throughout these past three years. That is not a task to Building an Education Tradition in Shasta County v be taken lightly. They have been diligent, resourceful and are remarkably still my friends….I think. Thank you to you both! The finishing touches to any good research paper come down to layout, indexing and of course, the printing and binding. Geri Kay Ehlers, long-time English teacher in the SUHSD took on the indexing with confidence and genuine enthusiasm. For that I am very thankful. Rosemary Bianchin took the product we sent to her and wrapped it up very nicely, adding the finishing touches needed to make it ready to present. Thank you, Rosemary. The layout is the process of designing, formatting and arranging the text, pictures and graphic elements in a manner that makes the final product readable and attractive and this needed to be done by a professional. That’s where my good friend and retired SUHSD employee, Nancy Williams comes into the fold. She is incredibly creative, artistic and of course, very patient. Her skills as an artist made this project not only look good but also professional. This project could not have been done without her diligence and always encouraging words and insights. Thank you so much, Nancy. Of course, there are two other people I must thank in order to properly put this project to bed; my wife, Joanne and my daughter, Kelsey. The many nights that I thought I was tired because I had finished my own homework for my classes and, those weekends that I thought I wanted to watch the San Francisco 49er games, would only be a memory if you had not encouraged me to “get with it and work on your project.” Your persistence, loyalty and your love will not be a memory….they are there at all times for me and I want to thank you for that. vi Building an Education Tradition in Shasta County >> 1899–2009 “Perseverance and spirit Senior “Sneak Day” Caught on Film, Early 1900’s. have done wonders in all ages.” — George Washington Introduction Education is the first known foundation of modern civilization and its effects are forever far-reaching in all aspects of life. Using references such as George Burke’s report on “The Shasta Union High School: 1899-1968” has helped me to establish a base for understanding the importance of education and the young mind and its effects on society in an “assessment geared” era. As a former graduate and teacher for 42 years in this district I have gained insights into the application and processes that have made this district a distinctive leader in education.