Redwood High School principal to depart

Barnaby Payne, the principal at Redwood High School in Larkspur for the last four years, has resigned the post.

Payne, who came to Redwood after serving as a principal in the San Francisco Unified School District, said he has accepted a position managing continuation programs at the San Mateo Union High School District.

Payne, in a letter to the public on Friday, said he had "deeply mixed feelings" about leaving.

"However, I feel this is the right time in my career to pursue new professional opportunities and challenges," he wrote.

Payne also praised the high school staff and said he felt "incredibly supported" by the Tamalpais Union High School District administration.

Courtney Goode, the district superintendent, said in an email that Payne will be "sorely missed."

"For the past four years, Barnaby has led Redwood with compassion, humility, grace and a keen desire to support and encourage everyone to be their best," Goode said.

Tam Union board president Cynthia Roenisch said the trustees appreciate "the energy and enthusiasm he brought to each day of work."

Payne declined to say whether his departure was related to allegations the administration was interfering in editorial decisions at the Redwood student newspaper, the Bark.

In recent months, the students' adviser abruptly announced a leave of absence; hundreds of residents signed a letter expressing concerns about external pressures on the newspaper; 10 English teachers at the high school signed a similar letter; and two national press advocacy organizations called on the school district to respect the student journalists' independence.

Because the peak hiring period for educators for next year has passed, Goode is likely to appoint an interim principal for Redwood for the start of the 2026-27 school year, according to a memo to district staff.

If that happens, Goode would likely launch a full search for Payne's long-term replacement during the fall semester, the memo said.

"I have no doubt that Superintendent Goode will choose a spectacular successor for the job," said Laurie Dubin, a Redwood parent and co-founder of the nonprofit Tam Union Together.

Officials at the San Mateo Union High School District could not immediately be reached for comment on Friday.

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