About | Northside Independent School District

Campus Information

Year Open: 1978

Bond Year: 1973

School Mascot: Cougars

School colors: Black, Silver, White

Mission Statement:
Provide relevant, student-centered learning experiences.

Vision:
Empower students to be confident and productive citizens.

Collective Commitments:
• Foster relationships within the school community to develop engaged and educated citizens.
• Provide a quality education that honors student voice and prepares them to engage, contribute, and succeed.
• Ensure a safe environment, socially and emotionally, to support academic achievement and success.

Namesake

District handbook

School handbook

Steve Zimmerman - Principal

While originally born in Kentucky, I moved to San Antonio soon after. As the son of a career military man, I was fortunate enough to see a great deal of the country, living in Kentucky, Virginia, Colorado, and Texas. I have been fortunate to travel extensively and experience the many diverse cultures and climates that our great country has to offer. A product of the public education system, I was fortunate enough to attend all four years of high school in Northside ISD where I participated in basketball. Because of my personal experiences, I believe that involvement in extracurricular and co-curricular activities is a vital part of the overall experience each student should enjoy before leaving high school. After completion of my high school studies, I went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary's University. I remained in San Antonio and in 1995 began my teaching and coaching career at New Braunfels Canyon High School. In 1998 I had the opportunity to work at Judson High School and in 2001 was hired at Winston Churchill High School. In 2008 I earned a Master of Education in Teaching from Schreiner University and became an assistant principal at Johnson High School. In the spring of 2013, I was appointed as the principal of Driscoll Middle School; four years later, in 2017, I was given the opportunity to become the principal at Madison. And in July of 2020, I was given the honor of being named the principal of Tom C. Clark High School. I look forward to working with you and your student(s) as I begin my service to the Clark community.

On a more personal note, while you will see me at all things Clark during the school year, I do have a few interests outside of education. When not working at school or attending a school event, I enjoy golfing, hunting, and saltwater fishing.

Melisa Jobson - Associate Principal

The Associate Principal also serves as the Campus Behavior Coordinator. They can be reached by email at melisa.jobson@nisd.net or by phone at 210-397-5165.

I am originally from Oklahoma where I graduated from Oklahoma State University with my Bachelor's in Education. I began my teaching career in Texas at Richardson ISD as a middle school math teacher. I spent 5 years as a Math Specialist in NEISD. After that I began my career as an administrator at Driscoll Middle School, and then at Madison High School. I am happy to be a Clark Cougar now! Outside of being in education, I have one daughter who means the world to me. I like to stay active by running, swimming, strength training, and hiking outdoors.

210-397-5150

cherie.ritch@nisd.net

Cherie Ritch

Academic Dean

Originally from New Orleans and raised in El Paso, I came to San Antonio in 1989 to attend St. Mary’s University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts and later a Master of Education with a concentration in English, followed by a Master’s in Educational Leadership. Over my career, I’ve had the privilege of serving students in San Antonio ISD, New Orleans Public Schools, Edgewood ISD, and since 2006, Northside ISD. I’ve taught middle school English, served as a reading specialist, English department coordinator, administrative intern & assistant principal at John Jay High School, and an assistant principal at Warren High School. In addition, I have been an adjunct professor of English at San Antonio College since 2010, where I continue to teach today.

I have two sons, both graduates of John Jay High School, who are currently pursuing their educational and career goals. In my free time, I enjoy spending time at our ranch, hunting (actually, sitting in the hunting blind), quilting, and taking weekend outings.

I’m honored to serve as the Academic Dean at Clark High School and look forward to working with the Cougar community. My leadership philosophy centers on service, supporting teachers, ensuring strong instruction, fostering equity, and removing barriers so every student can thrive. Geaux Cougars!
210-397-5150

john.castillo@nisd.net

John Castillo

Assistant Principal, A-Ek

I’m honored to serve as Assistant Principal at Clark High School after 14 incredible years in education. From teaching in the classroom to coaching football, soccer, and leading our girls track team, I’ve always been passionate about helping students thrive. I look forward to bringing that same commitment into this new role, supporting our campus and community every step of the way.
Proud husband to my wife Jennifer and dad to our two girls, Amelie and Adeline. In my free time, I love to cook and make fun videos with my daughters—there’s never a dull moment in our home!
210-397-5150

heidi.belson@nisd.net

Heidi Belson

Assistant Principal, El-Loo

Mrs. Heidi Belson, Assistant Principal, has been in education for over 20 years. She graduated from Texas Christian University with her Bachelors of Science and then later graduated with her Masters in Educational Administration from Lamar University. Mrs. Belson taught in Special Education, Business Education, Technology Applications and Communications. Prior to coming to San Antonio, she was an Assistant Principal at Temple High School in Temple, Texas.

Heidi Belson has been married to her husband Brad Belson since 2004 and they have two wonderful children, Brinley and Nash. She enjoys spending time working in her yard, walking her dogs and hiking with her kids. They are enjoying living in the wonderful city of San Antonio.
210-397-5150

venuz.gonzalez@nisd.net

Venuz Gonzalez

Assistant Principal, Lop-Raw

My name is Venuz Gonzalez and I am excited to introduce myself. For the past twenty-four years, I have worked in public education as an English teacher, academic support teacher, associate principal/academic dean, and a Title 1 Academic Program Coordinator. I am humbled to be an Assistant Principal at Clark, Texas.
I am honored to have the opportunity to lead alongside a great staff at a school full of rich traditions that strive for excellence in education. I am enthusiastic about joining this great community where we will empower our students to see their full potential.
210-397-5150

geronimo.cortez@nisd.net

Geronimo Cortez

Assistant Principal, Rax-Z

I have been in education since 2007. I have been in NISD since 2009 and became an Assistant Principal for the mighty Clark Cougars in 2020! I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Mary’s University and a Master’s Degree from Our Lady of the Lake University.
When I am not at Clark I spend time with my family. My wife Michelle and I have been married since 2007 and we have 3 sons. I also enjoy running and spending time on the soccer field.