In the center of Tamalpais High School, sits the Hub, an academic support program directed towards the equity and goals of Black students at Tam that was established in 2024. Quickly, the Hub became an incredibly helpful resource for many students. From creating a safe space to improving grades and attendance, the Hub makes a difference in the academic experience of Black Tam High students.
“Data showed the number of D’s and F’s were going down, attendance was going up, and I was seeing anecdotal evidence that students were really feeling secure by having a place to go,” said Jennifer Dolan, a history teacher at Tam.
However, last spring, the Hub faced a major change that left many people questioning whether it would still have the same positive effect on Black students.
June 3, 2025, the Tamalpais Union High School District Board voted 3-2 against renewing the contract for Tenisha Tate and Paul Austin, who helped run the Hub at Tam. Tate and Austin were under a $250,000 part-time contract that lasted for the 2024-25 school year; at this meeting, it was decided that they would not be returning for the 2025-26 school year. Those who voted against it argued that the contract was not properly submitted for approval, wasn’t achieving the academic goals it promised, and that it didn’t fit in the budget. There was a lot of outrage from parents, students, and teachers in the community.
Now, Kyle Jackson, a 2010 Tam graduate, has taken over Tate and Austin’s roles running the Hub.
Before coming to Tam, Jackson worked at Skyline High School in Oakland, doing similar work to the Hub as well as teaching African American history.
“My experience was building relationships with the students. Building engagement, a sense of belonging helps get the students to believe in themselves and the goals set in front of them,” said Jackson. “Going through Tamalpais helps me now because the students are hearing it from somebody with the experience, not just doing the talk, but also walking the walk.”
Jackson has many goals for the Hub in the 2025-2026 school year, hopefully continuing its positive impact. He says that his main goal is to get everyone involved, whether it is sports, clubs, or just being accepting of other students. Academic support is incredibly important as well. Jackson aims to ensure that his students understand the content in their classes and have the space and time to study, get tutoring, or give a presentation if needed. Jackson wants to help his students build good habits and use the resources available that will help them succeed after high school, whether that’s college or something else.
“If it’s college, then let’s set you up for a good track to college. If it’s needing experience and working, let’s get you into internships. Let’s get you hands-on experience,” said Jackson.
If a student’s goal after high school is college, Jackson supports them with applications. He is working with the Tam College and Career Center, creating college essay writing workshops to help seniors applying to colleges write their best essays. He is also trying to get financial aid and FAFSA workshops up and running to get students readily equipped with financial aid when applying to colleges.
There have been a few issues that Jackson would like to address and change. One of those concerns is that students were occasionally using the Hub as a way to get out of class. Previously, students were allowed to come into the Hub at all times during class, but Jackson is implementing a new policy to change this. He asks teachers not to send students to the Hub within the first and last 30 minutes of class.
“That’s one of the most pivotal points of class when you’re getting the instruction, where you’re learning the content,” said Jackson.
Although there have been issues he’s had to resolve, Jackson remains excited to run the Hub and continue to create a space where Black students at Tam can find support and community.