Sheilagh Andujar, Principal 2003-2013

It didn’t take long for me to realize that Tech was an Oakland high school steeped in tradition and a vibrant piece of the community. I was informed that generations of families had graduated from Tech and were proud Bulldogs to this day. Initially, I was considered an outsider that needed to prove my commitment to the school and community, but over time it became clear that I was “in it” for the long-haul. The challenges were many: stabilizing a chaotic school culture with numerous security issues, creating more equitable opportunities for all students, and rebounding from an inferior WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation of 2 years.

There were successes including: earning a 6-year WASC accreditation, enrollment growth in the midst of a decline in OUSD enrollment, expansion of academies and programs (Performing Arts, FADA, Digital Arts & Animation), facilities improvement through a modernization project and PTSA partnership.

I have many memories which I’ll list in no particular order:

• Walking on to the Tech campus for the first time brought out the mom in me, pushing for high expectations and feeling the resistance.
• Maryann Wolfe and Marietta Joe! Unsung Heroes!
• The 4-year modernization project: a lesson in patience, compromise and keeping standards high
• Family involvement and investment in the school community is remarkable.

Tech is a school poised to become a model of school-wide excellence. Here’s to another 100 years of providing a quality education for Oakland students.