New Principal Named At New Technology High School In Napa

News from the Napa Valley Unified School District:

Riley Johnson, assistant principal at New Technology High School in Napa, has been named principal of the school, starting July 1.

He will take over from interim principal Kathy Summers, who joined the staff in July 2014 following the departure of the previous principal, Michelle Spencer. Johnson’s appointment was approved at Thursday’s meeting of the NVUSD Board of Education.

“Mr. Johnson is a passionate advocate of all the students at New Technology High, and we look forward to his contributions as principal,” said Superintendent Patrick Sweeney.

Prior moving to Napa, Johnson spent five years teaching at New Tech Academy in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He also served as a football and wrestling coach, and as a district extension coach for project-based learning.

“I am so excited to continue to learn and grow with the students, staff, and community of New Tech High,” Johnson said. “Our student culture here is second to none and I am blessed to be a part of a school that focuses on developing culture, skills and content equally. I am dedicated to working with our staff to continue to provide the best possible experience for our students.”

New Technology High School serves 390 students in grades 9-12. It is a part of the national New Tech Network, which began in Napa in the mid-1990s. New Tech schools use project-based learning, technology, collaborative learning strategies and a professional culture of respect and responsibility to prepare graduates for college and careers.

Johnson got both his bachelor’s degree in Social Studies Education and Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Johnson has spent his entire teaching and administration career within the New Tech model.

He and his wife, Sara, moved to Napa in 2014.

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