Meet MBHS’s New Principal: Michael Franklin

As Morro Bay High School’s principal, Scott Schalde, will no longer serve as principal next year, the district has appointed MBHS’s new principal, Michael Franklin. Franklin has been an educator for nearly 21 years, being a teacher for seven years and an administrator for 13. Whether it be an assistant principal, athletic director, principal, or executive director, Franklin has been in all realms of leadership positions within education. 

What drew Franklin to MBHS is simple: the beauty of our school and Morro Bay itself, as well as the community.  “Really, the people, even as I’ve been going through the interview process and then interacting with staff and the community, everyone has such a welcoming nature,” said Franklin. MBHS truly is a place where you have to go with the flow of the students, as we are known for our laid-back teaching style. Franklin added to this, “I’m a big believer that I have to come in and know what makes Morro Bay special, and what you will value as a culture,” said Franklin. 

When it comes to Franklin’s vision for MBHS as he becomes principal, it showcases us to other schools by being known for what we do. “I want us to be known for all the special things that happen on this campus. Anytime anyone says something about anything, whether it’s our sports programs, arts, or academics, I want Morro Bay’s name to be associated with that.” As MBHS is a huge hub of extracurriculars and academics, showing that to neighboring schools and making it known is Franklin’s ultimate goal. 

Supporting our school community is another way in which Franklin wants to see change when he takes on being principal. “Being collaborative and working with students, working with families, working with the community, working with staff, working with district leadership, being able to release it, what’s best for kids?” said Franklin. Franklin is an incredibly ‘go-with-the-flow’ and accepting leadership style, always attempting to try new things, and has a passion to figure out what is best for MBHS. 

Our students at MBHS have a massive voice in what occurs on our campus, and Franklin wants to emphasize that, not diminish it. “Having students and an active voice in the work that we’re doing, that’s really how we foster that kind of community,” said Franklin. 

Franklin is incredibly excited for the school year to come, and is prepared to begin fostering a positive student environment and coming to understand what makes Morro Bay, Morro Bay.  “My job will be to make sure that everyone knows that Morro Bay is a special place, and this is the place we want to send your kids,” said Franklin.