After Jennifer Larson stepped down as principal last year, Andy Boone happily took on the position.
He is not a recent addition to the Mustang community; as a Novato local whose daughter is a San Marin alumna, Boone is no stranger to San Marin High School.
Boone had an active voice on campus even before the school year began. He has often been spotted by students acting as a crossing guard near the senior parking lot before lunch, mingling in the quad during break, and posting frequently on his Instagram account (@principalboone).
Boone’s efforts to immerse himself into the community come from a sincere place, shaping a traditionally authoritative role into an unconventional one.
“I really, genuinely, just see myself as another being on campus, trying to help you all grow and do what you want to do,” Boone said. “I do believe that people are naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. We get so absorbed by the stress of our realities that we sort of get stuck in that. I encourage everybody, students and staff, to dream big.”
Boone’s past experiences with teachers impacted his choices and led him to San Marin as a principal.
With several family members working in education, he chose to follow in their footsteps, earning his Administrative Services Credential from San Francisco State. He has worked as an administrator in Novato, Larkspur/Corte Madera, and the Marin County Office of Education before coming to San Marin.
“I always knew that I would be a high school principal. This is sort of where I’m supposed to be,” Boone said. “As I look back on my life and wonder why that is, I think a lot of educators were impactful in my life.”
Students will not be the sole group impacted by the presence of a new principal; staff and administration will also experience changes.
Vice Principal Kathryn Waller is warmly welcoming this shift, and her thoughts for Boone’s leadership are positive and hopeful.
“This is the third principal that I’ve had,” Waller said. “I would just say it’s really refreshing, a sense of new energy. He brings a lot of positivity and understanding, which he’s expressed to all of the people he’s been in touch with.”
Boone’s already a step ahead, making moves to support the school and its students in creative ways.
“He’s really well known in the community, and has lots of great connections,” Waller said. “We’ve already had our first welcome back retreat for our staff at Trailhead, and he’s already secured a donor for our learning lounge.”
Boone’s presence is noticeable, not only due to his exciting way of establishing community among staff members, but also by his interactions with students.
“His involvement creates a sense of belonging and a sense of purpose, having kids tied to wanting to be here is the most important thing,” Waller said.
Boone’s main focus as principal is to positively impact San Marin students.
“If I close my eyes and imagine where I want to be to spend this next chapter, I am sitting in this chair and having this conversation, there’s no other place I’d rather be,” Boone said. “The most important thing I can do is be real.”
