The already strong photography program at Miramonte will get even stronger this year, as teacher John Rodgers has added an Advanced Digital Photography class – which will make it even easier for budding photographers like these to do even more with the pictures they take.
From new music and photography courses to larger class sizes, Miramonte will open its doors Aug. 11 with a host of changes.
Some of those changes are a result of the failure of Measure T, a parcel tax which would have bolstered the Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) finances. Instead, the district is facing approximately $1.5 million in budget cuts, and they will have an impact at
Miramonte.
“Students will feel it with larger classes,” said Superintendent Dr. John Nickerson. “And more students will have to take their second-choice electives.”
But the district did its best to minimize the impact, as reductions were primarily made to books and supplies, facilities and maintenance and professional development.
“The district remains committed to keeping budget reductions as far away from the classroom as possible and to maintaining student support services,” said Nick Carpenter, associate superintendent of Business Services.
While Miramonte avoided eliminating any specific programs this year, the AUHSD board anticipates larger reductions for the 2026-27 school year.
“It will become increasingly challenging to keep future reductions from affecting classrooms and student support services,” Carpenter added.
On a brighter note, this fall Carl Oser will introduce the Acalanes district’s first Digital Music Production (DMP) class at Miramonte. Students will create their own music and podcasts using Soundtrap’s tools, such as beatmakers, vocal tunings and live audio.
“It [DMP] gives students the chance to actively participate in the music-making process in a way that’s low stakes, open to everybody and that features music that they’re interested in,” Oser said.
About 45 students are enrolled in the course.
Although Miramonte discontinued Digital Design, which taught typography and graphic design, John Rodgers is introducing an Advanced Digital Photography course to complement his Photography/Digital Design class.
Students will learn the history of photography, studying and emulating a variety of photographic styles with more advanced equipment and processes than the introductory course.
Some familiar faces will be missing, as Miramonte bid farewell to leadership teacher Valerie Peterson, English teacher Linda Hora, French teacher Mark Foster and math teacher Carolyn Manning.
Additionally, Stephanie Brady, the director of the College and Career Center, and counselor Sylvie Shawn moved on.
“I’m really going to miss Ms. Hora’s unwavering love for all her students and her ability to improve any student’s writing skills no matter their level,” said Miramonte junior Grace Mestemacher. “Ms. Hora was ‘that teacher’ for many students – she was there for a student academically and personally.”
In terms of physical change, Miramonte had both gym floors resurfaced in July and is currently raising money to replace the pool deck, refurbish the pool shell and make the locker rooms ADA-compliant.
Last year’s strict no-phone-in-class policy will remain, and the 2024-25 shift to no required summer reading is still in place, though some teachers offered optional textbook reading assignments.
Despite the challenges, students and staff are looking forward to the new year, buoyed by last year’s improved participation and performances in AP classes.
To help support elective offerings and the Wellness Program, the district has asked the educational foundations in all four communities to each contribute $675,000.
“Even with the budget cuts, I’m still excited to see my new classes,” said Miramonte junior Ollie Ribble, “and experience the new version of Miramonte.”
Rory Gaader-Wong can be reached at gymnastrorygaarderwang@gmail.com.
