With the start of school, new faces at Northgate High School include about 400 freshmen who make up the incoming class of 2026 and a new vice principal.
However, Vice Principal Tucker Farrar is far from new – he is actually a familiar face to many students and staff as he lives in the Northgate community and is returning to the school where he previously taught math starting in 2012 and served as the Dean of Students in the 2018- 2019 year. When the Mt. Diablo Unified School District eliminated that position due to enrollment falling below 1,600 students, Farrar left to become an administrator at California High School in San Ramon for the past three years.
When Farrar learned last summer there was an administrative position at Northgate, he jumped at it, soon joining Principal Kelly Cooper and Vice Principal Tyler Rosecrans at the school that serves the community where he lives.
“Northgate has an ambiance around it, one that cannot be matched,” Farrar explained recently, about a month after the Aug. 11 start of school. “There are some tangibles that are very much real such as the rallies and the athletic spirit. There are intangibles such as the attitude of students and how students love being at the school. Teachers enjoy teaching, and there are many that have been at this school for many years. Ms. Cooper is doing a wonderful job as a school leader, and I knew that this is where I wanted to be.”
Farrar taught algebra and geometry during his previous tenure with the Broncos, and during his last few years, he also worked as a TOSA – a Teacher On Special Assignment. For half of the day, he dived into the equations of mathematics, and for the other part of the day, he helped teachers integrate technology into their classrooms. He was the bridge between standard education and modern innovations, assisting with all aspects of technology including installation of smart TVs in every classroom.
When not enhancing Northgate to its best version, Farrar is busy as a parent with a sophomore at Northgate, and an eighth grader and a fourth grader at NorthCreek Academy in Walnut Creek. His wife, Jen Farrar, is a science teacher for sixth, seventh and eighth grade at NorthCreek.
Farrar is also one of the many driving forces of the Rancho San Miguel Swim Team, where his children have swum for ten years. Over those years, he has built a relationship with many of the community members. He recalls seeing many of the parents from this community at Northgate back-to-school nights.
“It was really fun. They were really gracious and complimentary, encouraging me, saying ‘Welcome back’. It made me feel really good – I felt as if I was part of a community.”
Outside of the Northgate community, Farrar built another community. He used to run a summer camp for disadvantaged children from ages 8 to 18. The program ran all year long, but the highlight was the summer. For five days the children would go away, swim, cook on an open fire, build teepees, and more.
Returning from three years at California High School, Farrar is glad to be back in his community. In fact, he rides his bike to school many days. He envisions many great things for Northgate such as establishing a desperately needed seating area outside for the students.
His work in the school and community has brought people closer and has made significant changes within it. “It’s great to be able to live and work and serve in the community where you live,” he said. “It has a special significance to it.”
By Eva Trujillo, Northgate High School student
Eva Trujillo is a sophomore and a member of the Sentinel staff at Northgate High School