Hollister – The students and staff at Spring Grove School didn’t
just get a new principal and superintendent – they got a race car
driver, a man-of-the-year award winner, a hole-in-one golfer and an
educator with 30 years under his belt.
Hollister – The students and staff at Spring Grove School didn’t just get a new principal and superintendent – they got a race car driver, a man-of-the-year award winner, a hole-in-one golfer and an educator with 30 years under his belt.
For the past 17 years, Howard Chase, 53, made his home and career as a principal five hours north of Hollister in Kelseyville, and, when the opportunity to move into a superintendent position came up at North County Joint Union School District, he jumped at the chance.
“It was time for me to move into this position, and the school I was at before was a rural school, so this was a great transition,” he said. “It’s a small setting where I can still be in touch with the students, and that’s important because if you’re going to make decisions that affect children, you need to be able to spend time with them.”
Now living in Los Banos, Chase said the daily commute gives him time to think about what he wants to talk with students and staff about. And unlike other superintendents, who spend their day cooped up in the office busy with paperwork, Chase makes time to hang with students. He has already shown students his four-square skills this week.
“I told them (the students) if they beat me, they get bubble gum,” he said. “And I haven’t handed out a single piece yet.”
When he returns from the playground, Chase brings his humor and love for kids and candy back to the office. Surrounding his desk are pictures of his granddaughters, and a Yoda doll sits in the middle of the conference table next to a bowl of candy.
“The teachers and I use him when we’re making big decisions,” he said jokingly. “We ask for the force to be with us.”
School Board member Candice Mancino is thrilled to have Chase on board, and said he makes a great addition to the district.
“You know we’ve had some trying times over the years, and we’re just so pleased to have him, and his enthusiasm here.”
Since arriving in July, Chase said his experience at the district so far has been very welcoming. This is comforting for a man whose last home town was so sad to see him leave, his departure made the front page of the local newspaper, he said. Along with his dedication to education, Chase also enjoys volunteering and fund raising. Over time he said he has raised more than $1.5 million for organizations in Lake County, and he hopes to bring his money raising skills to San Benito County.
“I just recently did the auctioneering for the YMCA event at San Juan Oaks, and I’m hoping to do more in the future,” he said.
Christine Tognetti is a staff writer. She can be reached at 637-5566, ext. 330. E-mail her at [email protected].
