Regular Board Meeting • June 25, 2008

Regular Board Meeting
Del Mar Hills Academy – Multi-Purpose Room
14085 Mango Drive
Del Mar, CA 92014
Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 5:45 pm
(Click here for map)

CALL TO ORDER - OPEN SESSION – 5:00 pm

1. Board president calls for blue speaker slips
2. Public input concerning items on the closed session agenda

Adjourn to Closed Session (In the Del Mar Hills Academy - Administration Office Conference Room, 14085 Mango Drive, Del Mar, CA 92014)

CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION

Closed Session Agenda:

1.1    Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release pursuant to (Government Code 54957)

Adjournment of Closed Session:

RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

3. REPORT OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION:

CALL TO ORDER, REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES - 5:45 P.M.

More information:

• Official Agenda, Regular Board Meeting • June 25, 2008
• Minutes

District Spanish program halted one more time

Del Mar Times, June 20, 2008

By Jim Kerr

For the second time in six months, the Del Mar Union School District's board of trustees has reversed an approval of a Spanish language program for the district, this time jettisoning a program at Del Mar Heights that caused a major squabble with neighboring Del Mar Hills Academy. The decision was made June 11 at a continuation of the board's May 28 meeting.

"We didn't foresee the impact," said Interim Superintendent Janet Bernard, "I just want to see this wonderful community come back together."

At issue was a new curriculum-based Spanish Discovery program approved by trustees earlier this year and set to start at Del Mar Heights in the next school year. Unlike a previous proposal for a Spanish immersion program at the district's Sycamore Ridge School that was approved late last year and then later rescinded after parent concerns, the Del Mar Heights program called for two kindergarten and two first grade classes to be a part of a Spanish Discovery program, in which students receive several hours of intensive Spanish instruction each week instead of being totally "immersed" in the language. The two classes were in addition to two regular classes in each grade at the school and it was the addition of those extra classes and the need to hire extra certified teachers, coupled with a loss of kindergarten and first grade students from shared-boundary school Del Mar Hills, that raised an equity red flag for parents and educators at the Hills. Many feared a growth in the program could contribute to a further decline in the student population at Del Mar Hills and bring into question the viability of a school that sits less than a mile from Del Mar Heights School.

Several attempts to reconcile differences between the two schools were attempted in the days leading up to last week's meeting including a proposal that was reportedly signed off on by Bernard, the board's president Annette Easton, and the principals at both schools, Wendy Wardlow of Del Mar Heights and Laurie Francis of Del Mar Hills. That proposal called for one-half less kindergarten and first grade classes and the addition of a new combination or "blended" class for kindergarten and first grade. It was hoped the formula would address the enrollment balance at Del Mar Hills while preserving a Spanish program at the Heights in both kindergarten and first grade. But two days before last week's meeting, Wardlow took the proposal off the table after teachers at the school, expressed concerns that changing the original model could compromise the program and necessitate having only one kindergarten and one first grade teacher available to plan for both regular and Spanish curriculum across three and a half classes at each grade level. The blended classroom did also not sit well with teachers, despite the fact several such classrooms already exist in the district.

One last proposal was presented to the board from Del Mar Hills just before the meeting. It suggested Del Mar Heights have three kindergarten classes instead of four and have all three classes as Spanish Discovery, while eliminating the first grade Discovery classes.

But with numerous changes being floated for a program that was several years in development by Del Mar Heights and with one day remaining in the current school year, Easton felt it was time to pull the plug on the program — at least for the time being.

"I share all of your dismay," said Easton. "We have heard a lot of support for a language program in the district, but unfortunately this one created a wide chasm. I think these proposed solutions further that divide. And for us to unilaterally make changes to the model is not fair."

"The board voted to suspend the program at least for the 2008/2009 school year by a 3-2 margin, with trustees Katherine White and Steven McDowell voting against the proposal.

"I want to be really firm on the world delay though," Easton said. "We want to eventually do this right."

As a result of the action, some 20 students from the Carmel Valley area who were to enter the program will be allowed to remain at their neighborhood school or still enter Del Mar Heights under an intra-district transfer. The school may still hold interest for non-boundary parents, as Del Mar Heights will, as they have for several months, continue to implement a Spanish Exploration portion of the program in which students in all grades receive a small amount of Spanish language in daily activities.

Additionally, at the recommendation of Bernard, the district will form a task force to examine enrollment issues at Del Mar Hills and Del Mar Heights. Both school communities have continued to express angst over the viability of having two smaller populated schools in such close proximity and Bernard acknowledged those worries. She even suggested the possibility of splitting classes at each school, having one school hold kindergarten through third grades and the other contain fourth through sixth grades. This would conceivably ensure as many language sections as desired.

"As long as we have two schools with declining enrollment so close to each other there is going to be competition for programs," said Bernard.

"I like the idea of this conversation," said board trustee Janet Lamborghini. "I'd like to see a task force. I think this could benefit the whole Hills/Heights attendance area.

"Especially if this solves the problem of how to get a language program into the district."

Superintendent Search Input Forms

The following forms were submitted by district employees, teachers and parents.

Source: http://dmusd.org/district/files/openFile.aspx?fileID=5034

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DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Certificated

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   

   The needs of our students. All decisions are made with the needs of our students first!

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   We need to get harmony and cooperation back. We need to regain trust in our board. We need to know we are supported and respected as teachers.

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   

   We need someone very balanced with lots of experience. Someone with Education as their background.

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

   Restoring the integrity of this district.

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

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DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Classified

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   

   It was Tom Bishop! I am so upset by our new school board. Gary Wilson should be our new superintendent! He has the experience and knowledge.

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   3 4 board members from one school. That sounds like a military coup to me!

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   

   He/She must lead. This district puts out high standards. He/She must continue, improve, and encourage those who bring in the high marks -- TEACHERS! Lastly, a super must want to encourage those who are unprotected.

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

   Respect!

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

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DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Classified

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   
   1. The district puts kids first! And alongside the parents help (volunteers they're AWESOME)
   2. TEACHERS!
   3. Can-do district... Mostly everything is funded by outside help... Just incredible.

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   Communication: with all the structors of the district.
   Board... no confidence... need leadership!! Not politics!

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   

   Leadership qualities would include open-mindedness and being nonpartisan. He/she would work within the laws and the input of the employees and community to make decisions that will support our growth and health as a whole. A background in education at the elementary level is important. Additionally, management and past successful collaboration is important.
   To be an excellent public speaker.

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

   I believe the greatest challenge will be to bring a cohesiveness among the school community and the school board. Transparency is important but so is asking the correct questions and not letting information gathering become a stampede of people trying to save their jobs. Positive communication is key!

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

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DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Certificated

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   
   1. Professional Learning Communities on Wednesday. Teachers assess and determine their goals. They then reassess to see if the goals were met or what changes are needed.
   2. We review programs with a combo of certificated, classified, and parent committees before implementing the programs in the district.
   3. Our school sites are functional and atmosphere is friendly and positive.

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   DMUSD needs leadership that is able to see the needs of the district as a whole entity. Leadership needs to realize that what is done at one site will affect another site.
   
   Leadership needs to ask, "what are your needs?" and then take the responses and assess them to determine what the majority wants. Additionally, stating what response was received is important.

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   
   • Strong communication skills to clearly explain to the parents and public the needs to take the district to the next level-- i.e. foreign language programs, and plans to pay for the ESC programs that parents have consistently said they wanted.
   • Leadership skills in dealing with external entities-- i.e. the Foundation, corporate partners, and the state of CA

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

   To deal with a divided school board.
   To resolve the rift between the schools on the west side of I-5 and those on the east side.
   To optimize the use of school real estate.

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

---

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Classified, Parent, Concerned Citizen

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   

   Outstanding principals, teachers and staff, parent involvement, and ethnic and cultural diversity of the students.

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   
   1. Heal the wounds resulting from Tom's leaving.
   2. Resolve how to fund the ESC program now that the Foundation has been eviscerated by the actions of the Board.
   3. Implement the foreign language immersion program that we parents requested 6 years ago in our strategic planning sessions at school and district levels.

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

   Keeping the Board unbiased toward the Heights.

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

---

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Classified

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   

   The teachers.

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   Having the board make unbiased decisions. (over)

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   

   Leadership
   Confidence
   Honesty
   Trustworthy
   Experience

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

   The Board!

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

---

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Classified, Parent

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   

   Teachers

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   Too much power in the Board.
   The super needs to be able to make decisions without pressure from the Board.

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   

   One who listens to all, but has the strength of his/her own personal convictions and sense of purpose for the district.
   
   Experience in a district of similar age and demographics.

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

   Getting caught up in the existing bickering and micro-management which seems to prevail with the present board.
   
   To renew the trust between teachers and board.

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

---

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Classified

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   

   Its commitment to the highest standards of education possible for all the students and its constant striving to improve on even the already excellent programs.

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   To regain the spirit of trust and communication which has existed up until the last couple of months.
   
   To be able to speak openly about issues of concern without fear of putting one's job in jeopardy.
   
   To get the Foundation and the Board working together again for the benefit of all the schools.

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

---

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Classified

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   Continued funding of the ESC programs, Art, Music, Science, Technology, and P.E.

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   

   I would like the next superintendent to have the ability to make decisions and explain the reasons behind those decisions, without sending everything to committee. I would like to see a superintendent who will discourage frivolous spending on district-sponsored events (we can bring our own lunches) and instead concentrate on the needs of the classrooms and students.
   
   As an employee, I would like to be acknowledged, not with a (?) certificate, but with a simple hello. If addressed on an issue, I would like to be spoken to, not spoken at.

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

   Before taking the district forward, the new superintendent will need to bring together the community, staff and a school board that is both divided and disillusioned.
   
   Continuing to fund the beneficial programs already in place along with funding new innovative programs will also be a challenge.

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

---

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Certificated

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   

   The district's greatest strength is the ability to very successfully educate students from varied backgrounds.

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   One of the greatest needs of the district is to maintain funding to keep programs running at top levels. There is also a need to return the district to a state of efficiency that limits waste and puts students first.

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   

   A strong leader who's not afraid to go against the Board if he feels he's in the know. Not a puppet to do only as a group of people want him to do. To have respect for the district as a whole!

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

   The difficult parents, the budget and any cuts that need to be made. Gaining the respect of the staff, and bridging the Board and staff, so we can trust them.

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

---

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Classified

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   

   The staff of dedicated teachers and principals who have weathered the storms of this past year.

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   Preserving the school and the programs we have in place. Keeping the integrity of our school.

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   

   Someone who has a vision for our district, based on teacher/parent input. They need to be a true leader and bring new ideas to the table.
   
   They need to listen to valued members of our staff who have seen trends come and go and truly listen to the teachers and parents (who are the heart and soul of this district), NOT someone who just passes Board initiatives.

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

   Filling the shoes of a superintendent that very much listened and worked with all staff members. He created a "family" striving for "excellence" at our district. We are missing this now without his leadership.

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

---

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Certificated

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   

   District collaboration - one common goal throughout the entire district of putting the students first. An open atmosphere of respect and discussions between administration and teachers. Setting achievable goals for the entire district (PLC, technology... etc).

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   We are not unified with one common voice led by a capable superintendent. We are making drastic changes based on the views of the new board - not what creates a great program for all.

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   
   1. An open and approachable style
   2. Interested in all staff, certificated and classified
   3. Wanting the best for the District students, but being aware of guidelines and restrictions while working on achieving the goal.

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

---

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Classified

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   
   • financial stability
   • outstanding student achievement
   • staff desire to maintain and/or improve student achievement and reach goals

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   
   • new facility or modernization of existing for District Office to not only provide adequate work space and storage, but lunch room and restrooms that are appropriate.
   • trust and understanding between Board and Superintendent and staff members so that work can move forward and be completed efficiently.

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   

   Someone approachable by all no matter what their level as employees of the District. Someone who will seriously consider the requests or concerns of employees or parents. Someone who can appreciate the value of the jobs done by each employee. Someone willing to work as a team for the benefit of all.

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

   An inexperienced school board.

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

---

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Classified

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   

   Dedicated, hardworking staff members who care to make the educational experience of the students the best nationwide and the involvement of the parents.

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   
   1. For the school board, the superintendent, the principals, the teachers and the support staff to all trust each other and work in harmony as a team for the benefit of the students.
   2. To provide new multi-stalled bathrooms at the District Office or relocate it to a better site.
   3. To make sure the salary schedule is faor for classified employees.

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   
   • good listener
   • open minded -- doesn't make decisions before having input
   • a fair person who doesn't treat support staff like ____

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

   Finding financial solutions or prices rise and money gets tighter

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

---

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Classified

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   

   Our high academic merit
   High caliber staff

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   Keeping education at all 8 campuses equal -- Some schools have richer families -- Does that mean we will accept unequal educations?

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   

   The most important thing for a superintendent to do is put the students first and aleays keep in mind what is best for them and their family.

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

   The greatest challenge will most likely be stepping in to a new position in a district with high standards, and extremely involved parents.

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

---

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Classified

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   

   The greatest strength of DMUSD is that the staff support each other, we strive to do our best and we maintain high expectations for our students.

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   I think the budget cuts could pose a problem.

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

---

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Certificated

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   

   Great administrators
   Staff trainings
   PLC time

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   Staff moral

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

---

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

p. 55

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Classified

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   
   • High socio-economic demographic
   • Relatively high intellectual level of students
   • Parental interest/involvement
   • Monetary support
     • Ability to fund ESC
   • Less behavioral problems
     • Teaching/learning facilitated
   So-- DMUSD is attractive to teachers and has pick of the best.

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   Fractious Board vs. teachers & staff
   PTA-Foundation turf issues
   State funding

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

---

p. 56

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Classified

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   

   The district's greatest strength is the ability to very successfully educate students from varied backgrounds.

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   One of the greatest needs of the district is to maintain funding to keep programs running at top levels. There is also a need to return the district to a state of efficiency that limits waste and puts students first.

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

---

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

PARENT

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   
   • Involvement and passion from the community. Although this involvement and passion frequently leads to conflict, it clearly demonstrates that most parents in the district place a high value on education and are deeply interested in helping shape children's educational futures.
   • High quality reputation ofthe district. The DMUSD enjoys an outstanding reputation as one of the best districts in the area with high test scores to prove it. While it is certainly one of DMUSD's greatest strengths, this reputation can also become one of its weaknesses if it allows the district to "rest on its laurels", forgo innovation and feel justified in disregarding any critics.

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   To identify and prioritize the needs ofthe entire DMUSD student population rather than focus on the wants/needs of select, vocal groups of parents, administrators and/or Board members. This means studying the population to gain an understanding of what the strongest needs are instead of responding to the squeakiest wheels and/or pet projects of a vocal minority.
   
   For example, DMUSD's population of English language learners has exploded in the past 3-5 years, growing at 77% last year alone. Regardless of this fact, the district still does not have an English Learner (EL) program. Students who should be able to depend on EL services don't have adequate access to them. In addition, DMUSD is out of compliance with state/federal EL mandates. Sadly, this critical issue remains low on the list of priorities simply because there is no vocal group of parents, board members and/or administrators supporting it. Critical programs such as this should not languish simply because the vocal minority is unaware of the need and is focused on other issues - we need strong leadership to ensure it happens.

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   
   1. Must be strong, steady, fair-minded and determined.
   2. Must be open, communicative and responsive.
   3. Must follow-through with actions, not words, to develop trust.
   4. Most importantly, the Superintendent must maintain a laser-like focus on what's solely in the best educational interest ofthe student population and not pander to any group of other stakeholders no matter how vocal or influential.

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   
   1. Bringing the community together to create consensus on district-wide priorities that address the majority of students' educational needs.
   2. Fixing, or leading the charge to fix, the myriad problems caused by the issues surrounding funding enrichment positions through the Education Foundation.

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

---

p. 59

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
WRITTEN INPUT FORM

The Cosca Group (TCG) has been retained by the Board of Education of the Del Mar Union School District to assist in the search and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools. If you did not have the opportunity to attend one of the open forums and wish to give your input, please complete the information requested below. Your input will be considered in establishing the qualities and characteristics required for your new Superintendent. The Board and The Cosca Group appreciate your input and thank you for your participation.

Please check your classification:

Parent

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
   
   

   In the past, one of the greatest strength I have witnessed is a true commitment to collaboration from staff, parents and board members in solving problems. This is sadly no longer true with this current board. I would like to see the district return to a collaborative working relationship where trust thrives.

2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/critical issues facing the District?
   
   

   Board members refusing to understand their role. Too many big egos thereby micro-managing the district in which they ignore best business practices. The contrast from the previous administration and now is stunning. Employees are confused for lack of direction ("who is in charge?"), fear of retaliation from board members if they speak up (a real, perceived fear among employees), and increasingly common knowledge in the community about the 'Del Mar HEIGHTS Union School District'. All in all, total chaos and no confidence in this board to do what is best for all the students in the district.

3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new Superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues indicated above?
   
   

   Under Tom Bishop's leac1ershlp the district was smooth running, as evidenced by the academic excellence in teaching and the cultural enrichment opportunities, and the absence of negative weekly reports In the local newspapers.
   
   Unfortunately, it is not likely the Three Stooges, due to their arrogance and huge egos, will admit their obvious mistake, make amends wtth Tom Bishop and rehire him.
   
   So many of us believe the best course is for the district to hire a Tom Bishop clone. Use Tom Bishop's CV as the template for the search for a new superintendent, finding a candidate who will put the Districict administratively "back on track" and be willing to "push back" when the Three Stooges do something that is just plain irresponsible, as they frequently do.

4. What will be the greatest challenges a new Superintendent will face?
   
   

   The Three Stooges with their incompetence, arrogance, meddling, and micromanagement that alienates rhe teachers and staff will be the greatest challenge. Such a challenge would be easy to solve, if the Three Stooges would resign for the sake of the children and just go away.
   
   The new Superintendent simply needs to get the district back to the smooth running organization that it was under Tom Bishop.

Name (optional):

Please return this form to one of the following:
The Superintendent's Office in an enveloped marked:
"Confidential – Superintendents Search"
or by mail to:
Frank Cosca, 4751 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, CA 94534 or
By fax to (707) 422-6494.

DM Heights Spanish Program voted down

By Marsha Sutton

After running out of time at their May 28 school board meeting, trustees for the Del Mar Union School District resumed their meeting on June 11 and began where they left off – with a discussion of the new Spanish language program proposed by Del Mar Heights School for this fall.

All public comment was heard on May 28, so the June 11 board meeting started with board discussion of the item. Debate among board members lasted nearly two hours and concluded with an anguished 3-2 vote to delay the program.

“This has been a very controversial issue,” said interim superintendent Janet Bernard.

The issue has fractured the Del Mar community since the program’s approval by the school board back in January.

Both Del Mar Heights and Del Mar Hills Academy, the two DMUSD schools located west of Interstate 5, share a common boundary and compete for kindergarten through sixth-grade students.

Demographic studies indicate that the Hills/Heights attendance area will generate about 100 kindergartners each year for at least the next eight years – which makes five classes of 20 students each, for the two schools.

The Spanish program proposed by the Heights would have provided one hour of Spanish instruction twice a week to two kindergarten classes and 45 minutes of Spanish four days a week to two first-grade classes. Called Spanish Discovery, the program also required two K and two first-grade classes without the Spanish component – making four classes per grade level. Of the two Spanish kindergarten classes, one was to be composed of students from west of I-5 and one with students living east of I-5.

It was the kindergarten portion of Spanish Discovery that upset many Hills parents, because kindergarten enrollment to date for this fall gives the Heights four kindergarten classes but leaves the Hills with only two. Worries about possible school closure should enrollment dip too low has panicked many parents and staff from the Hills and caused them to become alarmed at the imbalance – even though one of the Heights’ four kindergarten classes was to be made up entirely of students from east of I-5.

What began as quiet unrest soon spiraled into a major controversy, one that spilled over into DMUSD schools east of the freeway where some Carmel Valley parents began to take notice and express concern about the program’s costs.

But cost concerns took a back seat to enrollment numbers when the district provided information showing that the same number of additional teachers had been budgeted for this coming year, with or without the Spanish program, and that costs for Spanish instructional materials were to be absorbed entirely by the Heights community through grants and private donations.

Bernard began the meeting by informing the board that five options had been developed in the two weeks since the prior meeting on May 28. Whether it was legal for the board to review fresh options without allowing input from the public on the new alternatives was not discussed.

Heights principal Wendy Wardlow explained the first four options, and then Hills principal Laurie Francis was asked to discuss the fifth option. The five options were:

• Option A: Continue with the Spanish Discovery program for kindergarten and first grade, as approved by the board on Jan. 23.
• Option B: Offer 3.5 kindergarten classes and 3.5 first-grade classes, with two Spanish Discovery classes in each grade. This option creates a combination kindergarten/first-grade class and redirects some enrollment from the Heights to the Hills.
• Option C: Implement only the kindergarten portion of Spanish Discovery as originally approved, and drop the first-grade portion.
• Option D: Delay the entire program.
• Option E: Limit the Heights to three kindergarten classes, all three Spanish Discovery.

Although Option D, to delay the program, was eventually chosen by a divided board, a great deal of debate preceded the vote.

Option B emerged as an alternative after a lengthy meeting attended by Bernard, board president Annette Easton, Wardlow and Francis. After laboriously hammering out the details, all four initially felt it was a viable option. But eventually it was dismissed.

“There was a feeling that this model did not meet the original intent of Option A,” Bernard explained.

“Our teachers carefully analyzed the proposal,” said Wardlow, indicating that her staff ultimately felt it was not a workable solution. Besides concerns that it might be too complicated and costly to administer, some teachers felt uneasy approving a plan without having enough time to thoroughly understand its impact.

Wardlow said she and her staff have engaged in “deep thinking and soul-searching” about the Spanish program, and she acknowledged that there are valid reasons for concern.

“If Spanish is causing to tear this district apart, my recommendation is to delay implementation,” she said.

An important consideration when the program was designed, said Wardlow, was that it not negatively impact the Hills, which she said she has the “utmost respect” for.

When asked by board member Janet Lamborghini to rank the five options, Wardlow struggled for a moment, saying, “I love this district.” She then said her first choice would be to delay implementation (Option D), followed by starting the program with just kindergarten only (Option C). Regarding Option E, she said, “I don’t know how we could pull it together.”

Wardlow said healing the rift between the two schools was paramount and would move forward only when everyone could get behind the program. “We want to do something that is going to be the pride of the district,” she said. “And we want to do it by being good team players.”

Despite her enrollment concerns, Francis said her last choice would be to delay the program. “We really want the Spanish Discovery program to be launched there,” she told the board. “My school does not want to be responsible for another school not launching this program. I can’t believe that this is insurmountable.”

Both Wardlow and Francis were conciliatory and solicitous of one another and pleaded for their communities to come together. Both were hopeful the program could be salvaged, even huddling together in the back of the room with a few teachers during the discussions to see if a last-minute deal could be worked out.

Bernard said the board could not foresee the negative impact on the Hills when trustees approved the program back in January. She reluctantly supported delaying implementation, saying all options had been exhausted.

“This is a very difficult recommendation for me because I’m such a proponent,” she said. “It’s distressed everyone. I don’t see how we can move forward.”

A program is needed that can bring the Hills and Heights communities back together, Bernard said.

A K-3 and 4-6 Grade Configuration

Bernard suggested that the tension between the two schools pointed to a larger issue. “Do we need to have two schools in competition with one another?” she asked. She raised the possibility of configuring one school for grades K-3 and the other for grades 4-6, an idea that has been proposed periodically in the past.

“I think the time has come for that to happen,” she said.

Lamborghini embraced the suggestion, saying that with a K-3/4-6 grade configuration, “this problem would go away.” She favored a task force to explore the idea – “especially if this solves the problem of how to get language into our schools.”

Other board members also responded positively to the idea.

About the present dilemma, Easton said to Bernard, “I share your dismay, because there is a lot of community support [for the Spanish program]. It’s unfortunate that we’ve created a wide chasm.”

Easton recommended delaying the program, saying she hesitated to impose any of the alternative options brought forth in the past two weeks without thorough engagement and support from staff at the sites.

Of foreign language instruction, board member Steven McDowell said, “It’s a building block that needs to be in place. I’m disappointed with the way this is heading.”

“I’m comfortable with delaying the first grade because the numbers aren’t there,” said board member Katherine White, referring to the enrollment of only 70 rather than the required 80 students for first-grade Spanish Discovery this fall at the Heights. “But we have the numbers for kindergarten.”

White agreed with McDowell and objected to delaying a program “that met the criteria we set up in January.”

“I share Steven’s concerns,” she said. “Delaying means we’re further behind. It’s a one-year commitment. We’ll come back after a year. To throw all that away at this point in time is very disappointing to me.”

“When the program was approved in January, we didn’t have the demographics,” Easton said. “We thought we’d have three [classes] at the Hills and four at the Heights.”

New board member Doug Perkins said he thought Option B was the best compromise. Since that was rejected, he supported delaying the program.

White said she sympathized with the Hills’ enrollment concerns but didn’t understand how cancelling the Spanish program gives the Hills its third kindergarten class, since there would be three classes at the Heights and still only two at the Hills.

“There’s so much attached to two [kindergarten classes] symbolically,” Francis said. “While one school’s building enrollment and one school’s losing enrollment, it doesn’t feel good.” But she said she “could live with it for a year if we could go back to the drawing board” during that time and try to find a solution.

The meeting was sparsely attended compared to the previous meeting two weeks ago when the room was packed with several hundred individuals, many of whom asked to speak on the issue. This time, the board addressed a crowd of perhaps a few dozen, several of whom were teachers from Del Mar Heights.

When White asked the Heights teachers if they agreed with their principal and supported delaying the program, first-grade teacher Susie Lampe, referring to the kindergarten-only option, said, “We’re all in favor of Option C. As a staff, we support Option C.”

But Easton was not persuaded to move forward. “Looking at this from a district-wide perspective, I don’t think we would be able to have conversations [that] would allow the communities to heal,” she said. “The best opportunity for healing is to delay it.”

“This is literally tearing us apart,” Wardlow said. “We were so excited, passionate. But we felt directly attacked. I’d love to see us go with Option C, [but] I’m afraid it would be misperceived. I could cry right now.”

Arguing in favor of Option C, White called a delay “a lost opportunity” to provide Del Mar’s children with Spanish instruction. “Sometimes you have to make tough decisions,” she said. “We aren’t going to make everybody happy.”

Breaking the vote into two parts, White motioned to delay the first-grade implementation of Spanish Discovery, which passed 5-0.

Easton then made a motion to delay the kindergarten portion of Spanish Discovery, which passed 3-2, with McDowell and White opposed.

“I’m really firm on the word ‘delay’ and not ‘cancel’,” Easton said.

After the vote was taken, Wardlow said she was sad but that it was the correct decision.

Francis disagreed. “I think they should have moved forward,” she said. “I don’t think this solves the problem.”

“There were five options,” commented Kerry Traylor, incoming Hills PTA president. “The board chose the path of least resistance. I think we could have worked this out for both parties. It was possible. The kids have lost.”

When asked if the board traded one unhappy community for another, Easton said, “I don’t think this was a decision to heal the community. But it gives us the best opportunity to heal. There were no winners.”

Thank you celebration for former DMUSD Superintendent Tom Bishop brings cheers and tears

Thank you celebration for former DMUSD Superintendent Tom Bishop brings cheers and tears

A standing-room only crowd filled the Derby Room at the Del Mar Hilton recently for a thank you celebration for former Del Mar Union School District Superintendent Tom Bishop. Well-wishers greeted the Bishop family to celebrate his decade of service to the students and families of the fast-growing district. During Bishop's tenure, the district achieved highest in San Diego County student achievement scores and top 5 percent in the state scores at a time when he oversaw the opening of five new schools and the modernization of two older schools. Presenters during the formal program cheered that legacy, with many speakers from the community praising his accomplishments, while others thanked him for being the "guiding compass" of the district. the celebration included light-hearted elements, fun and tears.

Former school board member Jeanne Waite, who was president fo the board that hired Bishop commented, "At the time of Tom's hire, the district had three schools, Del Mar Heights, Del Mar Hills and Carmel Del Mar, then six years old. There was a student enrollment of approximately 1.300 students, 64 teachers, a district office staff of four full-time people, and our cutting-edge technology consisted of one fax machine in the district. The districe was poised on the brink of tremendous growth and the board recognized that a visionary leader, who would guide the district into the 21st century, was greatly needed. The school board knew that we had found the leader we were looking for in Tom Bishop, who demonstrated his leadership, intelligence and vision right from the start. We had high expectations, and we wanted to see results through the implementation of a district strategic plan."

Former board member Linda Crawford commented, "Tom proved that he was up to the task. He quickly established himself as a 'hands-on', 'in-the-trenches', superintendent, one who sought the counsel and input of staff members and parents alike, one who would bring staff, parents and community members together as stakeholders in the district's future."

Former board member Barbara Myers added her thanks for, "his extraordinary political leadership during the budget crisis of 2003, and continued leadership through his efforts with the state-wide Schools for Sound Finance, CA School Boards Assn, Superintendents Advisory Council, and High Achieving School Districts Summit at the special invitation of the CA Secretary of Education. Tom has also served the greater educational ommunity as president and executive board member of the state-wide Small School Districts Association, based in Sacramento, and he also served on county superintendent Rudy Castruita's Achievement Gap Task Force, in addition to serving as chairman of its Grant Committee. Recognizing Tom's child-centered focus and educational leadership for all children, the board nominated him for state-wide 'Superintendent of the Year' in 2001."

Myers added in her closing remarks of the celebration program, "Tom, we recognize and appreciate you outstanding career in a field that benefits so many. Your tenure has been marked by exemplary achievement and long-lasting benefit for students and families in the Del Mar school district." Bishop served as superintendent of the Del Mar Union School District from 1998 to February 2008.

-- Submitted by event organizers

Search Firm Gathers Input for New Superintendent Search

The DMUSD Board of Trustees contracted with The Cosca Group to assist in the search and selection of a new superintendent. A critical component in the process was for all stakeholders to have an opportunity to give input on four questions:

1. What do you consider to be the greatest strengths of the Del Mar Union School District?
2. What do you consider to be the greatest needs/issues facing the District?
3. What leadership qualities and characteristics do you wish to see in the new superintendent in order to support the strengths and deal with the needs/critical issues?
4. What will be the greatest challenges a new superintendent will face?

On Wednesday, June 11, 2008, the Board held a Special Board Meeting with The Cosca Group to review the input received from all stakeholders across the district.

Related information:

• Merging Interests: Uniting Del Mar and Solana Beach Schools
• DMUSD schedules Community Input Forums for superintendent search
• District seeks input on superintendent search
• What Makes A Good Superintendent?
• Superintendent search met with parent apathy
• Board Meetings • June 11, 2008

Source for the report below: http://dmusd.org/district/files/openFile.aspx?fileID=5034

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THE COSCA GROUP
DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
INPUT GATHERED FROM COMMUNITY, PARENT AND STAFF FORUMS
June 2008

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Del Mar School District Strengths, Characteristics, Issues and Needs

Board of Education

Strengths

• Teachers/students/parents all like each other (Harris Poll Data) ...Harris Poll Data exceeds all other nationwide survey rating
• All committed to excellence
• Very stable growth, construction, boundary changes
• Quality of families... added richness to district, high level of education in parents
• Financial support high, PTA's, Foundations, Parents
• High quality curriculum, whole child
• Facilities are our strength, high quality, especially inside
• Enrichment program for education of the whole child
• Support from parents for education like homework, academics
• Test scores high, consistent and do not teach to the test
• Employees are quality-great strength ( all levels)
• Strategic Plan in place over 5 years as a living document-updated regularly
• Safety for students, teachers, administration, all staff
• Strategic planning process integrates side with district priorities
• Focus on whole child (beyond curriculum) character counts, peace builders
• Schools strong sense of community with uniqueness encouraged and expressed
• Basic aide (now)
• Good relationship with union (only teachers) (excellent) very collaborative interest based

Critical Needs/Issues

• Morale - uncertainty over superintendent change
• Impact of growth / size of organization structure and management - policy and accountability - e.g. Informal agreements - competing for principals
• Collective bargaining - cultural shift in thinking / expectations
• Firestorms created by perception vs. reality
• Public communication, public relations (with our community)
• Leadership to have sense of pulse of community
• Financial costs of program(s) exceed income
• Allocation of resources and issues of equity, e.g. pay for extra staff
• Board balance from West to East
• Anticipate issues-pro and con that impact decision making process-aware of potential problem areas related to issues
• Identify other strategic processes to gain community input regarding issues
• Issues-growth in some areas-declining enrollment in others (shifting enrollments) potential boundary changes
• Downside of fostering uniqueness
• Relocate district office
• Potential labor issues-related to contract benefits

Characteristics

• Elementary/K12 experience desirable
• Exp.. .lementing change district/site
• Understand importance of literacy/K2 learning
• Honesty/respectful-ethical democratic leadership
• Visible-establish strong relationships
• Being known in the community and schools
• Interested in their own professional growth and learning
• Team player/team leader
• Passionate regarding education/curriculum
• Believer in PLC
• Strong manager
• Accountable
• Famous, recognized person
• Personable, well liked
• Focus on Community vs outside of our community, especially at first (nternal vs external)
• Excellent communicator
• Knowledgeable
• Able to monitor pulse of organization
• Visionary
• Financial understanding/savvy
• Experienced in education to deal with situations and plan
• Personable
• Nice person
• Implementation of community b's ... c's/collaboration consensus

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GROUP 1

Strengths of the District

• Teacher planning time-teacher collaboration benefits students and teachers (8)
• ESC teachers support classroom teachers and curriculum (3)
• Schools offer multiple learning opportunities beyond CR time (5)
• Interest based bargaining (9)
• Great parent community-Parent involvement dassroom/Board (4)
• Healthy teacher contract for all stake holders (6)
• Hard working motivated teachers (8)
• ESC-High quality credentialed teachers inlESC program-expertise in subjeds of Science, Music, Art, P.E. and Technology-teacher, parent group, principal collaboration-professional relations process (7)
• Teacher driven curriculum
• Incredible energy directed at meeting the needs of every student
• High expectations for students and staff
• District established time banking in support of PLC
• Access to integrated technology throughout the district
• Excellent District Office staff in all departments
• Educating the whole child very important
• Earty release Wed. given large chunks of time for collaboration within site and across district linked closely to PLC
• Low class sizes in 4-6
• Good job integrating curriculum and differentiate instruction
• Good principals
• District Administration very supportive of individual teachers
• Previous process of developing strategic plan
• Quality of schools attract people to district
• High test scores and programs
• Computer labs, science labs, band/choir
• Health at every site plus three school nurses
• School psychologists at every site
• Faculty are good problem solvers
• Employee child care
• District offers summer school
• Great support staff
• Geographic location
• Well educated families
• Week of the Teacher-strong teacher/staff appreciation
• Strong, dedicated classified personnel
• ALP-reading and math program
• Mission statement
• Character Education
• Creative problem solvers e.g. Hills Academy
• Size of district-8 schools
• Community child care
• Beautiful schools/facilities
• PLC's
• Motivated students
• Good financial resources
• Generous parents
• Teacher, parent group, principal collaboration
• Professional relations process
• Highly educated staff
• Site level administrators are involved with staff more often after rapid growth

Issues and Needs

• Board needs to become educated about programs and their value for quality education (6)
• Perception that teachers have lost their voice in the district (3)
• Lack of consistent direction in instructional programs (4)
• Maintain current strong programs before implementing new one-no long range planning (6)
• Better communication in all manners and ways (3)
• Board more concerned with financial implication of programs and not the quality of them (7)
• Schools compete with one another and don't see themselves as one district (4)
• We need to hire Superintendent from outside (9)
• Resolve funding of ESC positions for once and for all (8)
• Improving the effectiveness of communication-process needs to be a constant focus (3)
• Perception that Board has already decided who will be the new Superintendent so this process may be window dressing
• District/teachers are facing changes without adequate input
• Feeling of us vs them
• Sense of unity and morale are lacking
• Lack of follow-through has fragmented the district (related to lack of follow through)
• Stalled decision making at the expense of children
• Favoritism of individuals/sites as to who gets information and data
• Need for well thought-outprograms and follow through
• Recharge sense of community
• Feeling of disconnect with no common purpose
• Perception-district has no long term plan
• Perception of cronyism with prior Superintendent's hiring administrators

Characteristics of Superintendent

• Visionary (4)
• Experience working with all types of Board members (4)
• Strong financial management skills (5)
• New Face (7)
• Good listener(3)
• Not quick to make a decision-thoughtful (3)
• Charismatic (5)
• Can motivate, inspire and generate enthusiasm (3)
• High level of integrity (5)
• Strong communicator to all stake holders (7)
• Not reactionary
• Experience with districts similar to Del Mar
• Persuasive -can persuade lobbyist/activist
• Can maintain uniqueness and quality of Del Mar District
• Someone that is humble
• Good history of relations with teacher associations
• Trusts people-not a micromanager
• Says it like it is
• Experience
• Energetic
• Integrity to not be a puppet
• Strong unifier
• Self confident
• Child centered
• Has a"catch'em being good" philosophy
• Principal experience
• Experience with Basic Aide districts
• Use to working with highly educated, rich and demanding parents
• Profession presence that reflects the community perception
• Strong background in curriculum and instruction
• Well spoken/articulate
• Willing to educate themselves immediately about the district
• Experience with interest based bargaining
• Problem solver
• Someone who is trustworthy
• Technology skills (do their own power points)
• Innovative
• Very visible-visiting schools
• Understands real estate market
• Has had effective teaching experience
• Recognizes good teaching practices
• Timely experience in avariety of positions/levels
• Open door policy

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GROUP 2

Strengths of the District

• Teaching the "whole child" (4)
• Parent involvement (3)
• High test scores (3)
• ESC-extended studies curriculum (4)
• Parent volunteers
• Strategic planning (example of parent involvement)
• High expectations for student's behavior e.g. follow up to parent concerns
• Great ESC curriculum
• Valued parent input thru committee
• "Families program" strong community building-whole child

Needs/Issues

• Teacher contract limits teacher time available for parent contract (2)
• A fresh set of eyes coming into the district (4)
• East/West divide and need for schools to develop own cultures within a community wide district culture e.g. lack of school's autonomy to plan events YS pressure placed on other schools (2)
• Stabilize funding for ESC (5)
• Communication within district-a people equally informed (2)
• Better strategic planning in making decisions e.g. shores property
• District-wide feeling of community
• Issues of equity-balance with District funding and site generated funding
• Reductions that span all District office and levels not just cutting teachers
• Changes in teacher contract to be more available to parents
• Parents help out in lieu of teacher-dropoff lines e.g. more balance needed
• District-wide e-mail link....new ideas and perspective
• More information on issues and decisions

Characteristics of Superintendent

• Dynamic (2)
• Experienced communication with Board (2)
• Ability to make thoughtful decisions with adequate input from all (parents) and clearly communicate that (2)
• Own and explain decisions made without committee input (2)
• Visible on campuses (3)
• Experienced Superintendent, Teacher, Principal (2)
• Treating prindpals respectfully and as professionals without micromanaging (3)
• Energetic
• Fresh ideas
• Responsive to parents not just teachers
• Vision
• Change when needed and not for the sake of change
• Treats teachers as professionals
• Someone who's willing to stay
• No predetermined outcomes
• Open schedule to regular meeting with community groups/parents
• Allow time for programs/directors to show their work
• Strength in dealing with the Board

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GROUP 3

Strengths of the District

• Talented and dedicated staff and teachers, parents and community (6)
• Exceptional school facilities (4)
• Effective instructional leadership (3)
• There is tremendous respect shown to each other across the district (6)
• Strong financial resources, Basic Aide, generous parents
• Focus and commitment to excellence
• Students come from lucky environment
• Diversity of student population
• Resources are focused on students
• Supportive, involved, knowledgeable, vocal parents
• Good solid curriculum
• Communication vehicle is excellent
• Technology is state of the art globally across the district
• Culture of very high expectations
• Offers all new employees a pre-school
• Overall staff that deeply cares about each other
• Large district that wants to hold onto small district caring
• Student achievement is very high and continues to get higher
• Third highest teacher salary schedule
• District celebrate people and successes
• Size is a strength-able to provide specialists and small enough to communicate and make decisions quickly

Needs/Issues

• More uniformity in practice and policies (3)
• New district office (4)
• THESE DESCRIPTORS ARE NOT THE WHOLE BOARD BUT A MAJORITY
  • Board that understands their role and function (8)
  • No micromanaging
  • No individual speaking out in public when it hurts schools and people
  • Don't respect knowledge and expertise of district staff
  • Irreverence
  • Indecisive
  • All staff feels abused and embarrassed
  • Create anger in the district
  • Current needs and issues stem from individual board member personal agendas
  • This Board has individual character flaws that may not be fixed
  • Deliberately attempt to discredit district administrators
  • Create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity
  • We may lose a whole group of good administrators (both district and site)
  • Behavior is uncalled for, unprofessional and unwarranted
  • Unfamiliar with Ed. Code
  • Lack of knowledge of school finance
  • Refuse to attend CSBA training or conferences
  • Board does not subscribe to the same standards of excellence expected in this district
  • Power hungry
  • Do not attend to a global perspective or plan for the district
  • Will blow through money on individuals agendas yet penny pinch on issues for the betterment of the district
  • Need Board and Administration to work as a team
  • Deliberate agenda to force out staff that were part of previous administration
  • Need to heal the wounds from termination of Superintendent and board election (4)
• Someone to donate a million dollars
• Reign in spending
• Spending exceeds diminished income
• Need to grow up
• Be more systems oriented-no more handshake deals
• Move forward in blending special education preschool with employee preschool
• Expanding special education programs and options
• Morale
• Start protecting reserves

Characteristics of Superintendent

• Willing to trust expertise of leadership team (6)
• Observe and assess before taking action (4)
• We do not want a puppet (3)
• Practice strong leadership with the Board (7)
• Superior communicator (3)
• Supports professional learning communities (4)
  • Special Education
  • The needs of all special learners
• Experienced Superintendent (3)
• Support interest based bargaining (5)
• Supports strategic planning process (3)
• Good listener/communicator
• Has the ability to stand up for good decisions
• A Superintendent who as the CEO has the singular responsibility for hiring/firing/transferring and reorganizing
• Support and practice collaborative leadership and decision making
• Demonstrates ethical leadership
• Able to bring the community together while maintaining the particular needs of each school and its parents
• People person
• Strong instructional background
• He or she needs to be a strong leader versus a manager
• Visionary leader
• Strong business sense
• Respectful and caring
• Has high expectations and holds all to the same standards while keeping individual needs and strengths in mind

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GROUP 4

Strengths of the District

• Value the whole child (3)
• Involved/supportive parents (6)
• PLC teams-teachers (7)
• Time for professional development during work day and early release day (8)
• ESC program (8)
• History of peace and trust between past Board, Administration and community (6)
• Optimal working conditions for teachers, attract the most qualified (8)
• Strong academic achievement
• Positive relations DMCTA/district
• Interest based bargaining
• Committed-dedicated teachers
• Beautiful facilities supported by community
• Resources are available
• Basic Aide students
• Majority of children come to school prepared to learn
• Culturally diverse community
• Leadership in Basic Aide area
• Growth and facility needs are stabilized
• Committed/passionate site administrators
• Good balance between new and veteran staff
• Open communication/relations between site and District Office administration -availability
• Open/trusting relationship with previous superintendent
• Quality after school child care and enrichment
• Employee child care
• Education Foundation
• Strategic planning (historically)
• Technology
• Positive school climate
• Opportunity for input at cabinet inclusive of all administrators
• Size of the District (4,000 K-6) is optimal
• Classified are our strength with good relations
• Academic learning Program (ALP)

Issues and Needs

• Impact of growth on neighborhood schools and open enrollment involving boundary issues (5)
• Need for strong leadership in cuniculum/instruction (11)
• Need for district wide assessment including summative formationt and data management system (6)
• Prindpals do not function as a PlC team due to lack of leadership and focus on learning and process (8)
• Perception that the Board does not represent or support our schools equally (3)
• ESC funding and prep-time (5)
• Overly generous teacher contract (6)
• Rapid growth (5 schools in 10 years)
• Student achievement gap-some subgroups not recognized
• Lack of formal counseling program-not meeting effective needs of all students
• Parents sometimes over involved
• Allocation of resources based on enrollment vs needs-no recognition of demographic differences
• Inconsistencies between school sites-east side/west side and west side/west side
• Schools becoming imbalanced due to growth and boundaries
• Issues related to shifts in enrollment/impact of new schools
• Report cards are not standards based
• Facilities needs i.e. Officet pre-schoolt employee child caret special needs classes
• Poor use of technology to support operations and infrastructure
• lack of policies with regard to shared boundary schools
• Inconsistent relationships and trust between prior Superintendent and constituent groups
• Education Foundation
• Need for consistent, clearly articulated procedures and follow-up

Characteristics of Superintendent

• Team builder experienced/skilled in facilitating collaborative processes (7)
• Experience with developing relationships, roles, procedures with Boards (7)
• Experience based - extending beyond small school districts (4)
• Bases decisions on best interests of children (4)
• Demonstrated ability to make very difficult decisions (5)
• AbIe to restore confidence of all stakeholders (5)
• Can pull trigger after listening to all sides and stand by it and explain to all (3)
• Can efficiently manage politics and maintain strong focus on teachinglleaming (7)
• Facilitating/promoting change in a high performing district (8)
• Systems thinker/big picture
• Willing to stand by decisions
• Strong integrity
• Fair minded
• Proactive, effective communicator
• Lead the team as part of the team
• Respect individual needs and strengths
• Great people skills
• Somebody fun/great sense of humor
• leader within the larger community
• Understands Basic Aide and state politics
• Can develop a more functional District Office
• Media savvy and able to train others
• Works effectively with assertive parent groups
• Knowledgeable in curriculum and instruction and staff development
• Knowledgeable/experience in Interest Based Bargaining
• Value for shared decision making
• Understands value of technology
• Experience in building systems that support instruction and assessment

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BRAINSTORMNG DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT

GROUP 1

Strengths:

• Right ideas about helping kids to learn
• Amazing schools
• Many great opportunities to learn
• Extended studies
• Good teachers
• Schools use good behavior techniques
• Principals very involved with their schools
• Individual students have positive follow--up from staff
• Excellent communication with parents
• Everything good at the kid level, kids are happy

Needs/Issues:

• Issues with superintendent
• Issues with foundation
• Spanish Immersion at only one side as well as the location
• Uncertainty about superintendent and board
• All information/data/decisions out in the open
• More public openness about decision making process, how they are made

Characteristics/Qualities of new superintendent:

• Ability to deal with warring factions
• Strong leadership skills
• Enthusiastic about kids and education
• Trustworthy, open, transparent
• Experience as a teacher and administrator
• Ability to take charge and deal with special interests

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GROUP 2

Strengths:

• Enrichment program (ESC) *
• Attract smart students
• Attract very good teachers *
• 20/1 Class Size Reduction K-3 *
• Exploratory science/good teachers
• Focus on whole child *
• Basic aid funding
• Generous parents with time, money and volunteering *
• Strong parent/teacher partnership
• PLC's *
• Parent donations can be earmarked *
• Research based instructional programs

Needs/Issues:

• Raise standards of district to become model district
• Fighting over a lot of nothing
• Lack of respect from board/superintendent for teachers and parents *
• Decisions are not made timely and strategically - no plan
• Board does not understand its boundaries, internally and externally *
• No standards for classroom technology
• Full day kindergarten
• GATE/Seminar classes - under serving those populations
• Equity of funding between schools - both district and donated funds
• Level of mistrust between community/schools/superintendent/board *
• More info on budget expenditures *
• Better articulation w/ San Dieguito (eg. Writing, math, music)
• Less emphasis on testing/test prep
• Ineffective board - micro manage, fiscally irresponsible
• Board members favor on school
• Connecting politics to decision making - more education on issues
• Ineffective communication on both board and public side
• Poor process to address issues objectively with full infonnation *
• Community divided over ESC/Foundation/Spanishlprevious supt. *
• Teacher morale
• Articulate level of autonomy schools can have and ensure that it is not politicized
• Neighborhood schools vs. open enrollment at all schools
• Board should be required to meet certification standard to serve

Characteristics/Qualities

• Work with difficult board *
• Work with diverse board with different strengths and weaknesses
• Previous successful experience as a superintendent/district leader
• Primary focus on elementary education *
• Values music and the arts *
• Values whole child - balances academic testing with all educational
• Opportunities - social, emotional *
• International perspective
• Ability to build community *
• Strong - able to stand his/her ground
• Leader in all areas
• Strategic thinker
• Values and builds relationships
• Has a vision *
• Effective communicator, both written and verbal
• Analytical thinker
• Open to alternative schedules
• Innovative thinker with experience in implementing new ideas/programs *
• Classroom teaching experience *

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GROUP #3

Strengths:

• High Achieving *
• High parent involvement
• Private school education in a public school setting *
• High customer service
• Good teamwork between departments and schools
• Quality education provided to students
• Strong support for teachers
• Employees are well paid
• Good childcare program
• Employee childcare
• Great D.O. staff *
• Dedicated staff- certificated and classified *
• Top quality buildings/technology/schools - except D.O. *
• Staff development
• Cushy teacher contract
• After school program/Summer Enrichment program
• Special Education program
• Supt/management team very approachable *
• Directors/Assist. Supt's are wonderful

Issues/ Needs:

• New district office *
• Board distrusts district office staff *
• Micro management by board with public scrutiny of D.O. work, recommendations *
• Board does not understand its role *
• Board has created a sense of we/they originating from relationship with previous superintendent *
• Board members make inappropriate comments to media and public
• Perception that board members focus on own school and not success of whole district
• Availability of H & W benefits for part time employees (3 years or less)
• Misperception of D.O. being top heavy
• District being understaffed related to growth and expansion of district *
• Very vocal minority of parents can influence decisions
• Desire for quality programs but deficit spending
• Issue between foundation and board *

Qualities and Characteristics of new superintendent:

• Strong communicator *
• Fiscally responsible *
• Stand by their decisions and values
• Confidence in dealing with the board and groups
• Can work with the board to clearly define respective roles
• Open, responsive - open door policy *
• Respectful and appreciative of both certificated and classified staff equally *
• Previous experience as superintendent preferred *
• Sense ofhumor *
• Tactful and diplomatic
• Experience with difficult boards *
• Stand up to board - able to tell them "no"
• Child advocate/ child centered *
• Open to new experiences
• Personable

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GROUP #4

Strengths:

• Teacher's well respected/valued, teachers strong & well qualified *
• PLC'S *
• Strong Parent support-time, money *
• Innovative programs, curriculum
• Parents highly educated with well-prepared students
• ESC w/credentialed well qualified teachers *
• Financial stability
• Principals
• Collaborative spirit between teachers, administration/cross district *
• Diverse community
• Nice & Safe schools
• District staff very capable
• Students who love school & willing to take risks & feel safe
• Extra curricular activities
• Neighborhood schools
• Strong curriculum
• Test scores consistently high & improving
• Dedication & commitment at all levels to student learning *
• Common goal & similar vision
• High grade of discipline
• Strong character building program
• Strong sense of community
• Teachers are happy & want to work here
• Attract strong candidates
• Low turnover of staff
• ESC curriculum integrated with core curriculum
• Strong history/social science curriculum
• Old history of strong strategic plan

Needs/Issues:

• Need for decisive School Board-willing to make decisions & board that is balanced, fair & trust worthy *
• Need common direction/vision-program & budgetary *
• Financial stability for ESC programs full support *
• New programs being fairly implemented w/a defined process of implementation & evaluation *
• Issues of equity across schools
• Lack of good fundraising programs
• GATE/seminar program *
• Issue of imbalance of responsibility between Board/Supt.
• Concern w/board micromanaging district
• Concern w/board being influenced by special interests
• Need clear unbiased & objective strategic plan
• Issue of politicizing of board *
• Respect for each other & community
• Continue to see PLC's as a high priority *
• Need for merit based evaluation not tenure based to create incentive for better performance
• New District Office
• All schools need to be considered important with equal support *
• Need to see district as unified, maintaining uniqueness w/o pitting one against the other
• Lack of clarity from board to guide the Foundation
• Establish strong partnership between Boar/Foundation/Parents *

Qualities/Characteristics

• Values & promotes diversity
• Committed to ESC
• Approachable, hands on, visible
• Decisions made in best interest of children
• Can maintain sense ofcommunity & small district feel
• Values input from all groups-parents, staff, kids
• Strong inspiring leader to build bridges & promote cohesiveness *
• Recognizes the importance of differentiated instruction
• Good communicator
• Fair, balanced, trustworthy, evoke team spirit *
• Experience w/similar district
• Visionary
• Willingness to think outside the box
• Financially responsible *
• Long-term. vision and a plan to get there
• Has had experience with and values PLC *
• Experience with divisive/controversial Board
• Stands up for kids
• Superintendent/District level experience
• Someone who understands the "big picture"
• Committed to raising student achievement and closing achievement gaps *

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GROUP #5

Strengths:

• Special Ed Dept/program
• Sp. Ed. Preschool
• Typical Peer program-Preschool
• After school childcare/enrichment
• Summer enrichment
• High SES demographic
• PLC's *
• Great teachers/staff *
• Programs offered at schools
• School facilities
• Leadership of prior Supt. Bishop *
• Leadership of principals
• ESC
• Students are #1
• Ability to mobilize on all levels over critical issues *
• Attracts students and employees
• Employee childcare program
• Student data support for sites (Jonathon) *
• Salaries are fair
• Personal-great interaction
• Academic achievements *
• Strength of administrative assistants group *
• Parental support
• Technology afforded students *
• Financial support ofthe community
• Basic Aid
• Previous support of Foundation
• History of effective problem solving
• Supt. Connected at State level

Needs/Issues

• Current Board has damaged District and morale w/financial decisions, erosion of trust by micromanaging *
• Board does not support/respect District Administration
• Perception that the Board is looking for a "yes man" for Supt.
• Perception that cost of buy out of Supt. has damaged fund raising/support
• Public does not trust Board
• Need to build good public relations
• Board needs to understand its role *
• Board members are insensitive to their negative effect in public
• Schools are not equal/need some uniformity; e.g. Spanish program only at one school
• Board needs education on Board interpersonal relations *
• Board members' comments can be perceived as rude & hurtful
• Strategic Plan-need to identify a direction & continue moving forward
• Meaningful Strategic Plan based on real/valued input
• More district guidance on common policies/procedures *
• New employee childcare facility
• Continue high standards/Instructional program
• Continue PLC's *
• A board of Ed that supports/ works well with Supt. *
• Erosion of trust with board *
• Board has predetermined direction w/out concern for input and hasn't shared it-- lack of transparency *
• Concern that search process is window dressing - not sincere effort *
• Board out of balance representing one school
• Improve relationship with foundation
• Need new district office
• Parents are best asset & sometimes worse liability - rumor and lack of info

Qualities/Characteristics

• Someone who doesn't micromanage
• Very strong leader
• Good listener
• Confident
• Competent
• Someone willing to make tough decision and stand behind them
• Sense of humor
• Experience working w/difficult Boards
• Thick skin
• Integrity
• Interpersonal/relationship skills
• Trustworthy
• Visionary-Forward thinker
• Visible/approachable at all sites
• Strong financial background
• Experienced Supt.
• Experience in education-multiple levels
• Ability to work w/strong entitled parents
• Ethical
• A leader for all levels of employees
• Knowledgeable of PLC's and district's programs
• Cares about classified staff