A 22-year veteran of the Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD) is set to lead Menlo-Atherton High School this coming school year, replacing Principal Simone Rick-Kennel, who is leaving in June for a new district role.
Karl Losekoot has been M-A’s instructional vice principal since 2016 and before that, served as an administrative vice principal and English teacher in the district since 1999, according to a Wednesday, May 26, press release. At M-A, he has served as Honors Institute and Compass program administrator, summer school principal, English Department chair and in other capacities, according to the district.
"Karl Losekoot's contributions to SUHSD have had a phenomenal impact on our students, staff, and families of Menlo-Atherton High School," said Interim Superintendent Crystal Leach in a statement. "His experience and passion for education have supported the district's mission of preparing students for excellence. We welcome him in this new role, and look forward to the leadership, goals and accomplishments he will bring as principal."
Losekoot said in a statement that he is "excited to continue the work of making M-A a place where all students feel like they belong, are connected to the M-A community, engaged in learning about the world around them, and of course are learning concrete skills along the way."
The school board approved his appointment as part of the consent agenda at its Wednesday meeting.
Losekoot's pay was $172,847 in 2019, according to Transparent California. His salary will be $195,196 in the principal role, according to the district.
Losekoot holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California at Berkeley, a master's degree in educational administration from San Francisco State University and a master's degree in secondary education from Stanford University.
Comments
Registered user
Menlo-Atherton High School
on May 27, 2021 at 1:26 pm
Registered user
on May 27, 2021 at 1:26 pm
Congratulations to Karl Losekoot, a well-deserving selection to lead Menlo-Atherton! Karl knows M-A well, and he will work hard to maintain the excellence of Menlo-Atherton High School.
Registered user
another community
on May 27, 2021 at 4:33 pm
Registered user
on May 27, 2021 at 4:33 pm
Great call by the M-A search team. Karl Losekoot knows the waters, and his steady hand on the tiller will assure a successful transition out of distance/virtual/hybrid into an even better normal. Congratulations, M-A.
Registered user
Menlo-Atherton High School
on May 28, 2021 at 10:14 am
Registered user
on May 28, 2021 at 10:14 am
Karl will make an excellent principal. I’m delighted that he was selected to lead Menlo-Atherton.
He was an excellent teacher and administrator when I was principal and has the full support and confidence of Simone Kennel as she transitions out-of-the school.
Karl will be able to skillfully lead the school out-of-covid and through its next set of challenges. It’s good to know that M-A is in good hands.
Registered user
Menlo Park: Downtown
on May 28, 2021 at 4:54 pm
Registered user
on May 28, 2021 at 4:54 pm
Congratulations to Karl Losekoot! Having known Karl as a teacher and administrator when I was the Principals’ Secretary, I am confident he will continue to lead M-A to the amazing school it is.
I witness first hand his commitment not only to the students, but to parents and staff as well.
A well-deserving selection to lead Menlo-Atherton!
Registered user
Menlo-Atherton High School
on May 28, 2021 at 5:02 pm
Registered user
on May 28, 2021 at 5:02 pm
Following comments from my esteemed predecessors, former M-AHS Principals, Eric Hartwig and Matt Zito, I cannot think of a more talented, qualified leader to take on the reigns at M-A. As a colleague, friend and partner for almost 20 years I've seen Karl lead in every role he's had-English teacher, department chair, Administrative Vice Principal and Instructional Vice Principal. He's seen all facets of the school and then some. I know Karl will be a phenomenal leader as the Principal of M-AHS.
Registered user
Menlo-Atherton High School
on May 28, 2021 at 7:04 pm
Registered user
on May 28, 2021 at 7:04 pm
Having had the pleasure of working with Karl Losekoot at M-A for 15 years, I can testify like the other commenters that he did an exemplary job in every role he held- English teacher, English Department Chair, Administrative Vice Principal, and Instructional Vice Principal. Given the breadth and depth of his service, there is no one more qualified than Karl to lead M-A now. Congratulations, Karl! I am very pleased to know that M-A's tradition of great Principals to include Eric Hartwig, Matthew Zito, and Simone Kennel will continue!