LTUSD accepts South Tahoe High Principal's resignation, search begins for replacement

This story has been updated 3/16/17.

The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Board formally accepted the resignation of Chad Houck, the principal of South Tahoe High during their Tuesday night meeting, though word of the upcoming change in leadership had been circulating for weeks.

"Chad will be seeking other opportunities," said LTUSD Superintendent Dr. Jim Tarwater.

The popular principal has received a lot of support from parents, the community and staff.

Several teachers from South Tahoe High School showed up during the Feb. 14 LTUSD board meeting, pleading for the District to do all they could to keep Houck, who is finishing up his doctorate studies. Each speech was met with a round of applause from the other teachers at the meeting.

Houck became the school's principal in 2014, replacing Ivonne Larson who moved on to Assistant Superintendent duties. She has since retired.

"Almost every administrator in our district is on a year to year contract and no matter what the future holds for us, as long as I have the privilege to be here, I am committed to doing the best job I can at STHS for the students, families, staff, teachers, and community," Houck told South Tahoe Now one month ago.

He, his wife and five children are now looking to relocate, though where has not been decided.

While at STHS, Houck has implemented several popular and necessary programs, including leading of a WASC self-study of the school and its programs upon his arrival, starting of the revision of courses to reflect the required Common Core State Standards. Even though the Western Association of Schools and Colleges recently reviewed the school and stated the standards hadn't been incorporated to their liking, they have already been implemented in English and Math, with Social Studies coming next.

Houck is also responsible for every student receiving a yearbook and not being left out due to income restrictions. He also has been very hands on with parents through School Site Council and Booster Club, and is often seen in front of the school greeting students as they arrive in the morning. Houck also started the Link Crew, which connects older students with freshman to make the transition to high school an easier one.

Teachers who spoke at the recent board meeting in support of Houck appreciated his support of staff and his desire for student success, both of which he actively participated in daily.

Tarwater said they will start the hiring process on March 27 with an employment ad coming out the EDCAL, an educational staff newspaper.

"Ideally we will have a new principal in place by June so they can meet the community and get started," said Tarwater. He said principals for the middle school and high school age are harder to find candidates for, but he feels positive they'll find one soon.