GUHSD begins search
for new Superintendent
By Lori
Bledsoe
The Alpine Sun
EL CAJON — At a special Grossmont Union High school District
board meeting, held on Aug. 15, members clarified specifics in
the choice of the new district superintendent, and reviewed of
the Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee role in the review and
comment of the Bond Advisory Commissions recommendations to the
board for bond expenditures.
Molly Magee, a representative from CSBA Executive
Search Firm, clarified with the board, all the personal and
professional characteristics that GUHSD board of trustees was
looking for in the GUHSD Superintendent. As stated in the
meeting, some of the characteristics include: Classroom teaching
experience at a high school level, administrative experience, a
masters degree is required with a doctorate being desirable.
Also they would like to see previous experience as
superintendent or deputy superintendent.
Personal characteristics were listed out as: Honesty,
integrity, a good communicator with exceptional listening skills
who can communicate with all the stakeholders. The district is
looking for a “people person” to fill this position. Members
want a person who is visible in the community and at the school
sites that demonstrates and approachable openness and
inclusiveness. They want someone who is able to motivate towards
excellence and has the courage to take a public stand on their
own recommendations.
Larry Urdahl said that a trustworthy person with a
history of following through is very important.
Professional skills that are being sought in this person
include: A strong instructional leader with experience in
working in a large diverse district who is able to build strong
coalitions and partnerships with all segments of the community.
They want someone who maintains positive work
relationships and understands professional learning communities.
They are looking for someone with expertise that allow for the
oversight of the budge and the budget development process and
long range fiscal planning in the environment of shrinking
enrollment. The above list of characteristics is no small bill
to fill, and on top of that, Dick Hoy added, tongue in cheek,
“It’s essential that the person you choose, like board meetings…
lots of them and lengthy ones.”
In regards to the continuing saga of Proposition H Bond
expenditures, the board has moved forward by appointing and
hiring the construction firm, Gafcon/Harris, as Progam Manager
for the bond construction process. Gafcon was established 20
years ago and is very comfortable working in East County.
Gafcon/Harris is responsible for working on the
Cal-State/Northridge Reconstruction project, and has recently
helped the Sweetwater Union High school save money on their
project and come in eleven years ahead of schedule.
Bob Keisling also reported that the Citizens Bond Oversight
Committee will now be taking a more involved role in future
expenditures made on the bond. Keisling introduced the format
that all of the Bond Advisory’s recommendations will be put
before the CBOC to review and then comment on to the board at
the September board meeting. Keisling said that the CBOC’s
involvement is in compliance with the bond language and is even
part of the BAC’s recommendations.
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