PRESS RELEASE
The Novato Unified School District is excited to announce the appointments Michelle Cortez and Allie Greene as Co-Principals at Novato High School beginning July 1, 2025. The Board of Trustees approved the appointments at their regularly scheduled meeting on April 1, 2025.
After a rigorous and highly competitive interview and selection process, the current interim co-principal team of Michelle Cortez and Allie Greene was selected as the finalist for the Novato High School Principal position.
Michelle Cortez has been part of the site administration team at Novato High for the past seven years with a focus on expanding the Marin School of the Arts in her role as the Director of the program. Before joining the Novato Unified School District, Ms. Cortez was a teacher, dean of students, and principal at Aspire Public Schools bringing a wealth of experience as a middle and high school educator to Novato High School. She received her bachelor’s degree in English from Sonoma State University, a teaching credential from National University, and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Claremont Lincoln University.
Allie Greene has been part of the Novato High School administrative team over the past three years and brings a wealth of experiences supporting the learning environment of high school aged students.
Before joining the Novato Unified School District, Ms. Greene was a Principal of Alternative Education at the West Sonoma County High School District, a Vice Principal at Santa Rosa City Schools, an assistant principal at Terra Linda High School, and English teacher, teacher on special assignment and department chair at San Marin High School.
She received her bachelor’s degree in comparative literature from the University of California, Davis, a master’s degree in comparative and world literature from San Francisco State University, a master’s degree in the classics at the University of California, Irvine, and a master’s degree in school administration at San Francisco State University.
“We bring over two decades of combined leadership experience, including our current role as Interim Co-Principals and previous principal positions. Our focus has been on fostering a safe, inclusive, and collaborative school environment where all students thrive,” said Ms. Cortez and Ms. Greene. “In addition, we have prioritized campus-wide safety, wellness initiatives, and equity-driven programs like the Arts for All campaign and alternative education placements. Through data-driven decision-making, strong community partnerships, and a commitment to shared leadership, we aim to enhance student success, strengthen school culture, and align institutional goals with community needs.”
Dr. Tracy Smith, Superintendent, added, “Their enthusiasm, compassion and deep care for Novato High School and the Novato Unified School District students, staff and families make them an excellent match for this school community. As parents of students in the Novato Unified School District, they also bring a deep, personal investment in the success of all students. Their strong focus on change management, safety, academic and enrichment excellence ensures that Novato High School will thrive for years to come.”
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