After four years of working as both an assistant principal and the school’s activities director, Kristen Cunningham will join Los Gatos High as an assistant principal and also hold a role at the district office starting in August.
Her departure is part of an administrative restructuring in the district initiated by superintendent Heath Rocha that will save $150,000 annually. Because of the school’s declining enrollment, Rocha deemed it necessary to reduce the number of assistant principals from three to two. Assistant principals Abra Evanoff and Matthew Torrens will continue in these roles next year.
In 2025-26, Cunningham will work 80% of the time as an assistant principal at LGHS. At SHS, her role was split between 60% as activities director and 40% as assistant principal.
With the other 20% of her time next year, she will do work for the district and oversee implementation of Section 504 plans — legislation which protects the rights of students with disabilities — and the School Attendance Review Board (SARB).
As activities director, Cunningham taught the school’s Leadership class; planned, coordinated and supervised major school events like the senior commencement ceremony; supported and advised ASB and worked closely with the Link Crew program.
“Mrs. Cunningham’s greatest impact on the school is her smile and positivity,” Torrens said. “She always puts kids first.”
As assistant principal, Cunningham has overseen the Wellness Center, the world language and visual arts departments, the speech and debate program and attendance for detention and Saturday school. She has also served students with last names (S-Z), writing letters of recommendation with guidance counselor Brian Safine.
Cunningham looks forward to serving a dual role of LGHS assistance principal and district administrator.
“I look forward to supporting teachers in their craft and overseeing departments to support them in their work,” Cunningham said.
As the future Section 504 coordinator, Cunningham strives to ensure students with disabilities have equal access to education. She will work closely with guidance counselors and teachers over the summer to provide Section 504 training. As SARB chair, she will support both sites from a community-based perspective to address student attendance.
Interviews for a full-time activities director and Leadership teacher took place in late April; the spot is expected to be filled for next year.
“I will miss SHS,” Cunningham said. “The students, staff, and families here are all so welcoming and work together to create an environment that students are proud of and want to return to after they graduate. I will miss my leadership students, our incredible admin team and support staff who help to make our school run smoothly.”
