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Piedmont High principal outlines student supports, rising attendance and plans for curriculum expansion
Summary
Dr. Yoshihara presented the State of the School for Piedmont High, highlighting improvements in attendance, a staffed wellness center, DEIB efforts, strong assessment results and plans to pilot new pathways and dual-enrollment options ahead of a March 2026 WASC review.
Piedmont High School Principal Dr. Yoshihara told the board he is focused on building a supportive school environment, improving attendance and expanding curricular pathways after several months on the job. His presentation described student supports — a staffed wellness center, counselor availability, peer mentoring and academy time for academic catch-up — and highlighted student engagement strategies such as morning music, "student shout-outs" and community-building events.
Dr. Yoshihara noted the high school posted strong academic measures: roughly 93% of students meeting or exceeding ELA standards, about 80% in math, and an 87% AP exam pass rate last year. He also said the school is preparing for a WASC accreditation visit in March 2026 and plans to pilot new courses and pathways (including CTE capstones). "I'm so proud to be here," he said, summarizing his early priorities.
Board members asked pointed questions about safety nets for students at risk of failing. Dr. Yoshihara and Superintendent Hahn described teacher outreach, counselor follow-up and academy pull-in procedures — where teachers can request that students attend academy for targeted support — as the primary mechanisms for intervention. Trustees praised improvements, noted rising senior attendance rates and urged continued attention to supporting new students and equity across subgroups.
