Daily Bulletin
By Monica Rodriguez
Sep 12, 2009
POMONA - A representative for a grassroots organization went before leaders of the Pomona Unified School District this week asking them to down the superintendent's selection process.
"Our concern is that it's happening too quickly," said Pomona resident Derek Anodal on Friday. "It's a very significant decision."
Speaking on behalf of the Pomona/Inland Valley One LA Cluster, Anodal told board members at Wednesday night's meeting the district has had several successes.
However, those successes have been overshadowed by the board's decision to approve the distribution earlier this year of more than 600 preliminary layoff notices which were later rescinded.
The noticing process troubled many around the district, Anodal said.
In that context, "One LA believes it is time to re-build public trust in PUSH," said a letter Anodal delivered to the board signed by himself and other One LA leaders.
One LA is an organization that focuses on addressing matters related to education, schools, housing, public safety and other topics of concern to families.
"This is not a time to `rush to judgement. We should not allow the appointment of a new superintendent to be politicized by the PUSH Board elections," the letter said.
The district should take its time and not select a superintendent until after the Nov. 3 school board election, the letter said.
The seats of four of the five board members will be on the ballot in November.
During the board meeting Associated Pomona Teachers President Tyro Wise also brought up the time of the superintendent's selection.
The superintendent post is currently being advertised and efforts to attract candidates from across the country are taking place with the help of a search firm.
A series of community meetings will begin next week to collect the opinions of district residents and others on the qualities the next superintendent should have.
Applications will be accepted until Set. 17. The applications will be reviewed and a pool of candidates invited to interview. That process will include opportunities for the public to meet the candidates so that community members can then provide their opinions to board members.
Using the community response and their own interviews, board members will narrow down the pool of candidates, conduct site visits and observe the candidates before making a final selection.
The district's search consultant has said the board could select a superintendent by mid-October.
During the meeting school board President Andrew Wong said he is committed to making sure the best person for the job is selected regardless of how long it takes.
"I don't think there is any rush," Wong said.
The board will take as much time as is needed because "we need to make a right hire," Wong said.
Anodal said Friday few people know about the opportunities for residents and others to participate in the process.
Wong said efforts have been made to draw as much community participation as possible including the addition of another community input meeting for a total of three, Wong said.
Three years ago, when the board was looking for a new superintendent, the process was far different from what it is today, he said.
"I can tell you there was no search firm, no Internet questionnaire and no community engagement. I think there has been a sea change," Wong said.
Steps have been taken to draw as many people to the community meetings as possible, Wong said.
So far the school district has sent home with students two notices - one last week and one this week - notifying parents of the meetings, said Tim Machiavellian.
Meeting dates and locations have been posted on the district's Web site.
Wise said she was glad to hear Wong speak about the approach the board will take in selecting a superintendent.
"I believe he's heard the community," she said.
Three years ago there was no transition plan in place and this time one exists, which includes having Interim Superintendent Richard Martinez leading the district at this time, she said.
Pomona Unified School District residents have three opportunities to give their opinions on what qualities the next school superintendent should have.
Three meetings have been scheduled.
- Wednesday in the gym of Palomares Middle School, 2211 N. Orange Grove Ave., Pomona.
- Thursday at the Fremont Middle School gym, 725 W. Franklin Ave., Pomona.
- Sept. 21 at the Lorbeer Middle School gym, 501 Diamond Bar Blvd., Diamond Bar.
Each day two sessions will take place.
The first session will begin at 4:30 p.m. to which district personnel are invited.
Sessions starting at 6:30 p.m. are open to all members of the public.