New Cap Theater to Be Named After Former Superintendent

Updated Nov. 13.

The new theater at Capuchino High School, which is undergoing a renovation, will be named in honor of former San Mateo Union High School District Superintendent Samuel Johnson Jr., the district recently announced.

The high school board unanimously made the decision at its Sept. 27 meeting. The trustees said Johnson, who worked in the district for nearly 40 years, was due for some recognition because of his record of strengthening the district's academic requirements during his tenure.

"He raised the bar for academic achievement by implementing key educational programs, including the seven-period day," said Elizabeth McManus, acting district superintendent. "He believed that form equals function, and he was instrumental in passing Measure M (the $298 million bond measure voters approved in 2006 to upgrade the district's high school facilities)."

Johnson, who spent 14 years working at Capuchino—including nine as the school's principal—told the board members that he has always believed in “the education of the whole student” and that “every student is capable of success.”

Johnson has been retired for five years.

The theater is expected to be completed by early spring. Construction was delayed at the project's inception when a natural spring was discovered beneath its foundation, but McManus said progress is being made.

When completed, the state-of-the-art theater will consist of two theaters—one large theater seating about 950 people and the other small theater seating about 150 people.

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