By Jim Kerr
Source: Del Mar Times, 03-03-08
In a sudden but not entirely unexpected move, the Del Mar Union School District's board of trustees has bought out the contract of Superintendent Thomas Bishop.
The Feb. 26 resignation acceptance was announced at Del Mar Hills Academy after a special closed session meeting by the board and a following heated public input portion. Bishop's last day is technically April 30, but he has begun an extended vacation until his final day of work. Under terms of the buyout, Bishop will receive a severance payment of $287,851.86 — the equivalent of 18 months of salary. He will also receive health benefits for the time period unless he is hired elsewhere.
Tension has been palpable between Bishop and several members of the board since a November 2006 school board election, which saw the reelection of current board president Annette Easton and the addition of trustees Katherine White and Steven McDowell. The three ran as a slate in the election on a platform of transparency and accountability of district operations and a return of power to the board. Several controversies had raised tensions, including illegalities with a hot lunch program, a brouhaha over a Spanish emersion program at Sycamore Ridge School and lawsuits over the sale of the district's Ninth Street or shores property. Issues with the Del Mar Education Foundation seemingly exacerbated the tension. The divisions on the board were illustrated by a split decision on the resignation with trustees Janet Lamborghini and Linda Crawford voting against the buyout.
The fate of Bishop has been the subject of speculation and gossip throughout the district since the '06 election, but that didn't stop numerous parents and educators among a large crowd of about 150 people at last Tuesday's meeting from expressing surprise and outrage at the decision and its timing.
Torrey Hills School teacher Chris Teisher said she was feeling, "shock, disappointment and sadness."
"Del Mar is at the forefront of all districts in San Diego County," she said. "This did not happen by accident, it happened under the leadership of Mr. Bishop.
"Is this best for our kids?" asked Teisher.
"What is the problem here?" asked now retired teacher Mary Farrell, a Del Mar resident and longtime district employee. "I've worked with three superintendents in this district and he (Bishop) was the best."
Farrell, like several among the 35 public speakers, questioned the timing of the move.
"We are in the middle of a state budget crisis and a nationwide recession," she said. "I say to this community, ask what the problem is and then hold your noses."
Also questioning the decision was Torrey Hills parent Mary Taylor.
"Why?" asked Taylor, "and why now? Does your decision outweigh the potential damage? Is there due diligence behind this decision? Did I miss something or did something go out to parents and teachers? What is your plan for getting us through this?"
Taylor's last two questions received thunderous applause from the crowd.
Easton later said the board was, under California law, precluded from directly answering questions about personnel decisions discussed under closed session.
"We ran on a platform of transparency in the last election," she said, "and this situation doesn't allow it. You are all going to leave here without having your questions answered and that's unfortunate." She added that the decision was the best thing for the district.
An emotional Lamborghini and Crawford briefly praised Bishop for his service.
Lamborghini, who was seen briefly wiping away tears during public input, called Bishop "a man of integrity."
"Look at our scores, look at our facilities," she said.
"It's a very emotional night, and it hits you in the core," said Crawford. "This is an academic program that is the envy of the state and our children are better for it.
"This is a sad day for me."
Only three speakers spoke in support of the board's decision, including parent Raffi Simonian.
"Communication problems were real and fostered by Bishop," he said. "I'm grateful to this board for making this difficult decision and look forward to a new chapter."
Bishop, who has been superintendent in the district since 1998, was not present at the Tuesday special meeting, or at the following evening's regular school board meeting. Under his tenure, the district experienced explosive growth, opening five new schools in Carmel Valley. He also oversaw renovation projects at the district's two oldest schools, Del Mar Heights and Del Mar Hills Academy. In 2001, trustees nominated Bishop as California Superintendent of the year.
How things change.
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