Concord High School to Honor Longtime Educator by Naming 500 Wing “Kathy Koch Hall”

CONCORD, CA (Oct. 23, 2024) — Concord High School will dedicate the 500 wing as “Kathy Koch Hall” in honor of Katherine Koch’s 40 years of service to the school and the community. The ceremony will take place during the school’s varsity homecoming game on Friday, October 25.

Koch, known to many as Kathy, began her career in education after earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a teaching credential from Cal State Hayward. She was hired by the Mt. Diablo Unified School District in August 1974 and started teaching at College Park High School. During her three years there, she taught physical education, driver’s education, and social studies.

In 1977, Koch was transferred to Northgate High School, where she worked during a significant teacher strike within the district. Three years later, she found herself without a job, balancing the challenges of raising a newborn and managing life without health insurance.

Concord High offered Koch a part-time position in 1980, but to secure the health insurance her family needed, she also took on a split assignment at El Dorado Middle School. For three years, Koch juggled both roles, eventually earning both elementary and secondary teaching credentials.

Koch became a full-time teacher at Concord High, where she taught an array of subjects over her four decades, including physical education, driver’s education, math, U.S. history, work experience, and freshman science. Throughout her tenure, she worked under every principal in the school’s history, except the first and the current.

Beloved by generations of students, teachers, and staff, Koch has made an indelible mark on the Concord High community. Alumni and colleagues alike admire her dedication and passion for teaching.

The public is invited to attend the homecoming game and ceremony to celebrate Koch’s legacy as the school officially names the 500 wing “Kathy Koch Hall.”