The Oakdale Joint Unified School District recently announced Mike Moore as the new Principal at Oakdale High School. Moore served as a Vice Principal at OHS since 2004 and has held the duties of Athletic Director for the past two years as well. Moore is replacing Rick Jones who retired after being at the helm for eight years.
“I think I have some very big shoes to fill,” Moore said. “I want to continue these programs (Jones) started… I want to continue the excellence we already have established.”
He noted the success of the school’s academic and athletic programs and that he plans to keep them moving along the successful path they’re on.
Prior to being named Vice Principal at OHS, Moore taught Health at both OHS and in the Central Unified School District in Fresno for several years. There were 40 qualified applicants for the OHS Principal position.
“Mike interviewed very well and communicated a clear vision of excellence for Oakdale High School,” said OJUSD Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Marc Malone. “We are very pleased with Mike’s appointment and are confident he will be an outstanding leader for OHS.”
Moore said he feels that among his biggest challenges for the new Principal role will be sustaining what has already been achieved and making the school reach its goal of an 800 API (Academic Performance Index) score. It is currently at 765 and, he said, the bar has been raised for everyone.
“Obviously, we’re doing a lot of things right,” he said. “We just need to get over that hump (of 800 API). We need to keep where we’re at with certain populations and bringing other parts of the student body up to a certain level (academically).”
Moore acknowledged that certain aspects of this new position will be learned or acquired once he actually assumes the Principal role.
“I’m looking forward to the challenges,” he said. “Obviously there’s going to be a huge learning curve… Sometimes you have to challenge yourself.”
He added that he is looking forward to working further with the high school’s professional staff members who are “always concerned about the kids.”
“I am very confident in Mike’s ability to lead OHS,” Malone said. “He has a solid background in all phases of curriculum, athletics and student discipline. He was the overwhelming favorite of an interview panel that included OHS department chairs, classified staff, administrators, parents and the business community.”
Moore earned his Bachelors degree in Kinesiology/Physical Education from California State University Northridge. He obtained his Single Subject Teaching Credential in Health Science and Masters Degree in Public Health from CSU Fresno. His Administrative Services Credential is from CSU Stanislaus.
The district is in the process of finding a replacement for Moore’s Vice Principal and Athletic Director position.
