Los Gatos High names Dave Poetzinger as new principal

Assistant principal takes the reins from Kevin Buchanan.

The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District has moved an assistant principal up the ranks. The district’s board on March 26 named Dave Poetzinger to replace Kevin Buchanan as principal of Los Gatos High School.

Poetzinger will step in to the lead administrative role July 1 after serving as assistant principal for the 2023-24 school year. He came to Los Gatos High after three years as assistant principal at San Lorenzo Valley High School in Felton.

“Los Gatos High School has quickly become my home,” Poetzinger said in a release. “I believe an administrator’s role is to support staff, families and students in their joint educational journey toward a transformational school experience. I look forward to continuing that work by focusing on excellent student learning inside and outside the classroom.”

Poetzinger previously taught AP English literature, yearbook and journalism.

“Dave embodies all of the qualities we were looking for. He is strongly committed to exceptional student learning, a hands-on, innovative leadership style and a devoted work ethic,” Superintendent Bill W. Sanderson said in the release.

Buchanan will retire to his hometown of Cheshire, England after stepping down as principal.

District leaders began the search to replace him earlier this year with the assistance of Learning Associates, an education consulting form, and after soliciting input from the community.