Mora will be the school’s third Principal when he takes over for Tom Scotti, who has served as Principal since 2008 and is leaving to pursue another role in education later this spring. Mora has over a decade of experience in education, having served in various leadership roles at POLAHS ranging from History Department Chair; 10th Grade Level Coordinator; Advanced Placement (AP) Coordinator; and Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Coordinator; to his most recent position as Dean of Students. Throughout his 12 years at POLAHS, Mora has been highly regarded by his colleagues, earning an outstanding reputation for his deep commitment to student success. As an integral and longstanding member of the POLAHS family, the transition to Principal is a natural progression for Mora.
At the time of his appointment, Scotti shared, “George Mora is the best person to lead POLAHS forward. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him for many years and am reassured by knowing that the person replacing me is someone that I respect and admire. His foremost qualities include a wonderful sense of integrity and character. The Board could not have made a better choice, and it allows me to move on without concern for the school’s future. This is an exciting time for our school.”
Board President Patrick Gannon furthered Scotti’s sentiments, saying, “Mr. Mora is highly qualified and was the best candidate for the job. Tom Scotti will be truly missed by our school community and we will be forever grateful for all that he has done for POLAHS. With that said, after a competitive process we are pleased to have selected George Mora to lead our school and ensure that the strong educational culture continues.”
Mora stated that he looks forward to upholding the mission and traditions of the school, while working with POLAHS’ talented group of teachers and staff. “POLAHS is so unique in that our staff are given the opportunity to innovate, keeping students engaged. Through our team’s collaborative approach, and parent involvement, students will remain at the center of all school decisions,” Mora said. “I know what it took for us to get POLAHS to the exceptional place where it is now. My door will be open and I’ll be here for our entire school community,” he continued.
Mora holds a Master’s in Education from Claremont Graduate University, and an Administrative Services Credential from CSU Long Beach. He earned his Bachelor of Art’s degree in History at CSU Long Beach.