As a parent of MVHS involved in many areas of the school, we are lacking serious leadership. First the AD is let go and now the movement out of Keith Moody. I enlist Dr Groves to hire a principal that is not a yes man. I was very upset to be in a meeting where the board of trustees poined out that Dr Groves worked for them and Keith Moody works for Dr Groves. This was done in a clear way making the point that you better do what I want. There are many issues at MVHS right now- the grading issue, the oracle issue, the AD issue and it goes on. We need a principal that can bring fresh ideas and feels that he can have the power to make smart changes. This is the valley of innovation-lets hire a leader! Many parents at MVHS are starting to think that we have serious problems with Dr Groves- he is happy with the status quo. This does not take you ahead!

Um... The Superintendent DOES work for the Board, and the Principal DOES work for the Superintendent. Why would that upset you?

MVHS has too many old people working there.....they are too comfy.....they know they are backed by a strong teachers union, so most really do not do anything over and beyond.....I'm saying MOST....key word MOST.....you walk in the office and they look like they are suicidal.....they look sooooo unhappy......they are set in there ways........when you talk to them it's like the deer in the head lights look.......Keith Moody was irrelevant......he was sorta a trophy principal........MVHS

Just a thought - why not consider Principal Kim Thompson of Graham M.S. for this position? Just read the article about the "Distinguished School" award at Graham. Perhaps Thompson can bring similar award winning reforms to the high school.

This is amazing, 3 of the 4 who made comments above have no idea what they are talking about!

Keith Moody is not a "yes man" by any means.
The Supt works for the board and the principal works for the Supt.
Jamba Juice has never set foot on MVHS, no one there looks suicidal, unhappy, set in their ways...WTH??
Kim Thompson's entire career is with elementary and middle school students, not high school which is a completely different ballgame.
MVHS is in no particular need of award-winning reforms, they are already a top-rated school.

Good grief.

incognito - I do not attend this school and have no involvement in it, so please pardon my ignorance. I just came up with this suggestion after reading the other article. Frankly, I was surprised that parents and students are NOT posting lots of comments and thoughts about this huge news regarding the leadership at their school. If this was about Gunn or PALY, there'd be a 100s of comments on this story. If you compare the two communities, it just appears that people in MV seem apathetic about education. I hope I am wrong.

The article lists the ways to communicate directly with the school district by attending a meeting or sending email. The superintendent isn't reading the blogs for feedback. (Palo Alto/Gunn just hired a fulltime PR Director @ $100K+...perhaps that person will be monitoring blogs : )

Incognito makes solid points.

So perhaps I should have sent my Kim Thompson suggestion directly to Barry Groves? Then incognito may not have had that chance to explain that Ms. Thompson's experience was not a great fit (still would like to hear more on how high school is a different ballgame). As I am not a student, parent or teacher, I am not likely to attend that public meeting. You see, there is some value in public discourse even if just to enlighten your fellow citizens.

Fair enough.

I'm sure the high school superintendent is well aware of the local folks...if he were interested, he'd reach out (not in a stealth way).

But incognito's point is valid...huge difference between middle school and high school. MVHS has also been a Distinguished School, has a large number of terrific programs, has assisted and been a leader to Graham in some ways, and will likely have a long list of very well-qualified applicants.

I don't believe the Distinguished School program is one where a school is simply picked because they stand out. The school needs to apply. Schools do not apply every year. This year LAHS applied, and was recognized as a Distinguished School (as was Blach Middle School).