Seven years ago Jeff Taggart joined the staff at California High School as the new assistant principal and coach of the freshman boys basketball team. The following school year, he took on an additional role as the CHS Athletic Director, and the year after that, a role that seemed to suit him best, head coach of the varsity boys basketball team.
This is why Taggart's recent decision to take a new path is bittersweet; it will take him away from California and Pinto basketball. He recently accepted the position of Activities Director for the 2011-12 school year at Northwest R-1 School District, south of Eureka, where approximately 2300 students attend the high school. The district also includes two junior highs and six elementary schools.
"Opportunity doesn't knock too many times in a lifetime," Taggart said. "So as hard as it is to even think about leaving, it's a chance that won't likely come again, and it's a path I truly believe I need to take."
For more of this story check out the April 13 issue of the California Democrat.