JOHN MCCANDLESS SCHOOL
Alternative Education
John McCandless was born in 1926, and died in 1986. He died at the age of 60. Not more than a year later, The John McCandless Center was dedicated to him on February 25,1987. John McCandless had served Lincoln Unified School District for 33 years. During his lifetime, he had done several things for the district: he taught sixth grade, helped open the second elementary school, Village Oaks; and was appointed principal of several schools. His biggest accomplishment was initiating the first outdoor education camp (Science Camp).
Construction of John McCandless High School began in 1986. The suggestion to name the new school after former principal and Associate Superintendent John McCandless came from Trustee Melodie Blowers and was approved unanimously by the Board of Trustees in June of 1986. John McCandless served the district with distinction for 33 years as principal of several schools including Lincoln Elementary, Colonial Heights, and Lincoln High School. He also served as District Director of Curriculum and Certificated Personnel, and Associate Superintendent of Personnel Services.
John McCandless High School was dedicated on February 25, 1987. In the fall of 1992, the building was closed due to budget cuts. It was reopened two years later to house several programs for students K-12 including the Dimensions Program, the Communication Academy, and a community school for expelled students in grades K-8.
As the district grew, the need for district alternative programs continued to grow and change. Currently, the John McCandless Center houses the districts Child Welfare and Attendance Offices as well as four alternative education classrooms serving students in grades 9-12.
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