Julian chief selected as interim superintendent for Del Mar school district

Source: Del Mar Times

The Del Mar Union School District named James D. Peabody as interim superintendent in a special Board of Trustees meeting Thursday night at Del Mar Hills Academy.

For the second time in approximately two years, the DMUSD is now on a quest to replace a sacked superintendent after the board of trustees voted 3-1 to fire Superintendent Sharon McClain on March 31 at a special meeting.

Peabody has more than 40 years of experience working in education. He is current superintendent of the the Julian Union High School District. He served as assistant superintendent for the Grossmont Union High School District for 34 years and spent 10 years as a board member of the Alpine Union School District.

He also worked for 10 years in the San Diego County Office of Education as regional director of school support services.

"He brings a lot of valuable experience that will be very beneficial to our district," said board president Comishell Rodiguez.

Peabody will split his time between Julian and Del Mar districts, focusing more on DMUSD, until the board finds a permanent superintendent to replace McClain.

More information:

• Julian Union High School District
• Julian Union High School District Superintendent Information
• Schools chief a case study in evolution

Del Mar Union School District approves new superintendent’s contract

Source: Carmel Valley News

By Matt Liebowitz

At its Sept. 3 meeting, the board of trustees of the Del Mar Union School District unanimously voted to approve the contract for new superintendent Dr. Sharon McClain.

McClain’s effective date of employment will be Sept. 17, allowing her time to transition from her current position as superintendent of Hermosa Beach City School District, a post she’s maintained since 2003.

Under the contract, McClain will be paid $168,000 for the 2008–2009 school year. Her salary will be $178,000 for the following year, $183,000 for the 2010-2011 year, and $188,000 for the year beginning in fall 2011.

If the board, in its year-end evaluation, deems McClain’s performance “superior,” they may approve an additional merit-based salary increase up to 6 percent of her annual salary.

To further aid in her transition to Del Mar, the board, at the beginning of her contract, will provide McClain with a stipend of $1,500 per month for six months for temporary housing while she relocates.

The board will also reimburse McClain for expenses tied to relocation to the county of San Diego or San Clemente within 24 months, not to exceed $10,000. The reimbursement covers only moving expenses, and cannot be applied to any costs associated with the purchase of a new residence. Per contract requirements, one of McClain’s first orders of business will be to submit an initial analysis to the board regarding district needs to be addressed during the first year. McClain must turn in the analysis within two months of her date of employment.

Though she’s in the process of tying up loose ends in Hermosa Beach—including hiring a new superintendent to replace her—McClain was present at the meeting, and also made rounds of the district’s schools on the first day of school, Aug. 25. “We appreciate the fact that even though she’s in transition, she’s giving us her time here,” said Interim Superintendent Janet Bernard, who also said that McClain had already scheduled several meetings this week to get up to speed.

Regular Board Meeting • September 3, 2008

Regular Board Meeting
Del Mar Hills Academy – Multi-Purpose Room
14085 Mango Drive
Del Mar, CA 92014
Wednesday, September 3, 2008, 5:45 pm
(Click here for map)

CALL TO ORDER - OPEN SESSION – 4:00 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    Conference with Labor Negotiator – (Government Code 54957.6) Agency Designated Representative: Ricardo J. Soto, Best Best & Krieger, Unrepresented Employee: Superintendent (Permanent)

1.2    Conference with Labor Negotiator (G.C. 54957.6) Agency Designated Representatives: Janet Bernard, Interim Superintendent and Rodger Smith, Director of Personnel and Facilities; Employee Organization: Del Mar California Teachers Association

1.3    Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Government Code section 54956.9(a); One Case

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.

7. CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
   1. Preliminary Report, 2008 STAR Testing Results

10. BUSINESS AND FINANCE
    1. Board Approval, Contract Between Del Mar Union School District and Sharon McClain

More Information:

• Full Agenda
• Board Meeting Packet
• Item 10.1 - Sharon McClain contract
• Complete September 3 Meeting Audio
  

New Del Mar Union School District Superintendent eager to start, plans to ‘ask a lot of questions’

By Matt Liebowitz

Source: Carmel Valley News, August 28, 2008

In a special meeting Aug. 20, the board of trustees of the Del Mar Union School District unanimously appointed Dr. Sharon McClain as the new district superintendent.

“I think Del Mar is a wonderful community,” said McClain in a telephone interview. “I know they’re very supportive of their schools, and growing quite a bit, which is exciting.”

The superintendent of the Hermosa Beach City School District since 2003, McClain was one of 21 applicants for the Del Mar position, and underwent two rounds of interviews.

“We really like her ability to collaborate with her colleagues, and her ability to work with the entire community,” said board president Annette Easton.

Easton also cited McClain’s background in art, music and Spanish—she earned her undergraduate degree from San Diego State University with a distinction in Spanish and taught vocal music for three and a half years in Escondido—as a valuable attribute to the district.

“That’s very important to our community,” Easton said.

Ken Noonan, a partner with the Cosca Group, the consulting firm hired by the school board for the executive search, said the process of hiring McClain was quick, but very professionally executed.

The search, which began in May, lasted only 13 weeks—“a very short period of time,” said Noonan—to accommodate the board’s desire to announce its new superintendent by the beginning of the school year.

“The board was most cooperative,” said Noonan. “They worked extremely hard on this and I think they made a very good choice.”

McClain brings to Del Mar a long and distinguished track record in education.

Prior to her superintendent position in Hermosa Beach, McClain served for three years as superintendent for the Mesa Union School District, and was assistant superintendent of educational services and human resources with the Ojai Unified School District for three years.

McClain also held adjunct faculty positions at the graduate schools of education of both Pepperdine University’s and UCSD. She earned her doctorate in education from the University of LaVerne.

Leaving Hermosa Beach for Del Mar isn’t a drastic move for McClain, as her San Diego connections run deep.

McClain is originally from the San Diego area, and, along with her mother, two of her six children — and four grandchildren —reside in San Diego.

From 1989 to 1997, McClain worked in the Escondido Union School District under superintendent McLean King, first as a teacher and later as principal of Central School.

“It’s like coming home,” she said.

Though she’s tendered her resignation in Hermosa Beach, McClain won’t officially take office in Del Mar for a few weeks. In the meantime, she will shuttle back and forth between the two cities; she is responsible for finding an interim superintendent as well as filling one principal position in the Hermosa Beach School District.

“The transition period will be a few weeks,” said Easton. “We expect her to be full-time within a month.”

Easton said the particulars of McClain’s contract are still being negotiated, but that her salary falls within the district’s budgeted amount, and will be made public as soon as it’s finalized.

Also keeping her moving back and forth will be her husband, Joe Condon, superintendent of the Lawndale Elementary School District in Los Angeles. Condon will remain at his job, which he’s held for 17 years, but McClain said he’ll move down to San Diego upon retirement.

Stepping into office, one of McClain’s first orders of business will be to address the district’s budget crisis, and to understand, in a non-biased, honest way, the distinct responsibilities and relationships of everyone in the school community.

“My leadership style is very open. I like to engage a lot of people and find out what their opinions are before making any decisions,” McClain said. “I try to meet as many people as I can and understand the issues. The first part of being a brand new superintendent is asking a lot of questions.”

McClain moves south

Source: South Bay School Notebook

By Melissa Pamer on August 21, 2008 10:49 AM

Sharon McClain, the superintendent of Hermosa Beach City School District, accepted an offer for the top job last night from Del Mar Union School District, a larger K-6 district in San Diego County.

She leaves the K-8 South Bay district after a five-year tenure. McClain said she was recruited for the Del Mar Union job by education head-hunters The Cosca Group, which called her last month.

In a conversation yesterday, McClain made clear that her husband, Joe Condon, will remain as head of Lawndale School District, where he's been since 1992.

"He's not going to leave. He'll probably retire from there," she said.

The couple have family in the San Diego and Orange County areas, and had been talking about moving down there in the future. Until Condon retires, McClain said she'd rent an apartment in the Del Mar area during the week, and the couple will retain their Long Beach home.

McClain said she'd meet shortly with the Hermosa Beach school board to talk about a transition period.

Dr. Sharon McClain Selected as Del Mar Union School District Superintendent

Source: http://dmusd.org/district/files/openFile.aspx?fileID=5250.

Dr. Sharon McClain Selected as Del Mar Union School District Superintendent

DEL MAR - On August 20, 2008, the Board of Trustees of the Del Mar Union School District unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Sharon McClain as the new Superintendent. After a national search, the Board of Trustees in their drive to introduce their new Superintendent on the first day of school conducted a full day of first round interviews on Saturday August 16th and second round interviews with the finalists on Sunday August 17th. The Board traveled to Hermosa Beach, California today to conduct a validation visit and believes that Dr. Sharon McClain most perfectly matches the community-based criteria.

Board President Annette Easton stated, "The Del Mar Union School District will thrive under Dr. McClain/s leadership. Sharon/s breadth of experience will allow her to move seamlessly into this role. We believe we have found a perfect match for our district - one who greatly values public education, will maintain our high expectations for student achievement, exudes enthusiasm and collaboration, has all the essential skills and experience, and who will be a great leader of the district's talented administrative team, but more importantly a colleague.

Sharon comes from a family of educators. Her mother, grandmother, great aunt, aunt, and brother have all been teachers. Her father was a Marine Corps fighter pilot, flying a Corsair (F4U) in the South Pacific during WWII. Sharon attended San Diego State University, where she received her B.S. with distinction in Spanish. She earned her masters degree from National University and doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of La Verne.

Sharon began her teaching career in St. Louis, Mo. in 1967 in an "inner city" school. After teaching in St. Louis, Sharon stayed home for 10 years to have her children, Laura and Luke. Laura is now a practicing lawyer and Luke will transfer to UCLA next fall. Sharon has also had 4 foster children - Tiffany, Celeste, Gina, and Johnny, now grown. Sharon is married to Dr. Joe Condon, Superintendent of the Lawndale School District. Together, they have five children and 8 grandchildren.

Sharon resumed her teaching career in the Escondido Union School District in San Diego County in 1986. She taught elementary school and then vocal music for 3 1/2 years. In 1989, she became the district/s Coordinator of Student Support Programs in the Escondido district and then became the principal of Central School in Escondido in 1992. Central School is the oldest school in the city and 85% of the students were English Language Learners (mostly Spanish speakers). In 1994, Sharon moved to Ojai to become the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Personnel in the Ojai Unified School District where Dr. Gwen Gross was Superintendent. Gwen and Sharon worked together for 4 years until Sharon became the Superintendent of the Mesa Union School District in Somas, CA (near Camarillo). From Mesa, Sharon moved to Hermosa Beach City School District where she is currently the Superintendent.

Sharon describes herself as a "teaching junkie" because of her many university teaching experiences. She has taught at UCSD and Chapman Universities, California State Universities at San Marcos, Channel Islands, Northridge, and Dominguez Hills. She is currently an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University.

The Board is delighted that the school year will begin on such a strong, positive note. Dr. McClain will use the next few weeks to complete her transition from Hermosa Beach to the Del Mar Union School District. While the final details of the Superintendent's contract still need to be finished, the Board is pleased that they will be able to bring in such a wonderful addition to our District within the parameters set in their budget.

"I'm thrilled and honored to be part of the Del Mar School District family. The support for schools is incredible!" says Dr. McClain.

New superintendent Sharon McClain's CV

Source: http://dmusd.org/district/files/openFile.aspx?fileID=5250.

SHARON L. McCLAIN, Ed.D.

ACADEMIC PREPARATION

1996	University of LaVerne LaVerne, CA	Ed.D. Educational Leadership
1991	National University San Marcos, CA	M.S. in Educational Administration
1966	San Diego State University San Diego, CA	B.S. With Distinction in Spanish

CREDENTIALS and PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

California Administrative Services Credential
ACSA Personnel Academy Certificate
California Clear Multiple Subject Credential, K - 14
California Language Development Specialist Certificate
Missouri Life Teaching Certificate, K - 12

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

8/03 to Present	Superintendent Hermosa Beach City School District Hermosa Beach, CA California Distinguished Schools National Blue Ribbon Schools
7/00 - 8/03	Superintendent Mesa Union School District California Distinguished School National Blue Ribbon School Somis, CA
1997 - 7/00	Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services and Human Resources Ojai Unified School District Ojai, California
1997 - Present	Adjunct Faculty Member Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Pepperdine University Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, California State University, Dominguez Hills
1997 - Present	Doctoral Dissertation Committee University of LaVerne, LaVerne, CA
1995 - 1997	Adjunct Faculty Member Graduate School of Education University of California at San Diego California State University, San Marcos Chapman University - Masters in Education Program
1994 - 1997	Principal, Central School California School Boards Association Golden Bell Award Escondido Union School District
1992 - 1994	Principal, State Preschools and District Independent Study Program Director, Early Childhood Education Escondido Union School District
1989 - 1992	Coordinator, Student Support Programs: Bilingual Education, Substance Abuse Education, Family Life Education Summer School Supervisor Escondido Union School District

RELATED EXPERIENCE

2006 - Present	State Superintendents' Symposium Planning Committee
2008 - 2009	Secretary, City Superintendents' Association of California
2005 - Present	Superintendents' Chair, South Bay Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) - 12 Districts
2004 - Present	Chairperson, ADTech (South Bay Advanced Education Technology Consortium)
2001 - Present	Research and Examining Committee, University of La Verne Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership
2001 - Present	Practitioner Partnership for University of La Verne Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership
1999	Pepperdine University School of Law, Negotiation and Mediation Training Graduate
1996 - Present	Foster Parent and Foster Parent Adviser
1992 - Present	Grant Development Over $4,000,000 awarded for successful grant proposals

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT / PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

• Rotary International - Club President, Committee Leadership in Program, Membership, Club Service and Vocational Service
• Rotary Paul Harris Fellow
• Community Leadership Council for Boys and Girls Clubs
• Alliance for the Arts
• Association of California School Administrators
• Association for Supervision and Curriculum and Development
• Urban Superintendents' Association of America
• Center for Quality Leadership
• Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
• Hermosa Beach Education Foundation
• Health Care District Administrative Community Leaders Advisory Panel
• Violinist, Beach Cities Symphony Orchestra
• Liaison with City Council and Hermosa Beach Police Department
• Over $4,000,000 awarded for successful grant proposals

HONORS

• University of La Verne Educational Leadership Doctoral Standard Bearer
• California Congress of PTA Continuing Service Award
• California Congress of PTA Honorary Service Award
• Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
      Ola B. Hiller International Scholarship for Doctoral Studies
      Adele Lewis Grant California State Scholarship for Doctoral Studies
• Professional In Residence Scholarship Recipient, Hazelden Services for Drug Rehabilitation, awarded by the Joan Kroc COACH Substance Abuse Prevention Foundation

Del Mar hires new head of schools

Educator worked in Hermosa Beach

Source: http://signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20080821-9999-1mc21mcclain.html

By Bruce Lieberman
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

August 21, 2008

Del Mar school trustees last night unanimously voted to hire the head of the Hermosa Beach City School District as superintendent.

Sharon McClain beat out 20 other candidates from around the nation.

Trustee Janet Lamborghini called McClain “an exemplary educator” and “great collaborator” whose love for music and languages will fit well in Del Mar.

“She is a great match for this district because of her interests, because of her energy, because of her consensus building,” Lamborghini said. “I could go on and on.”

Board President Annette Easton said McClain was an extremely likable person who reaches out to community members and makes a point of eating lunch with children in her district. “Her personality is going to be just a great fit,” Easton said.

McClain will visit schools on the first day of school on Monday, but she is expected to shuttle between Hermosa Beach and Del Mar for a few weeks so she can conclude business up north, Easton said.

The details of her contract are still being worked out, and trustees are expected to vote on the agreement within the next two weeks, Easton said.

McClain last night said she was thrilled with the board's decision. “I really am happy,” she said. “Del Mar is such a wonderful school district.” McClain called Del Mar a “beautiful community” with strong parent involvement and “a great staff” among teachers, administrators and other school employees.

McClain, an educator for 30 years, has worked as an elementary school teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent.

She is a graduate of San Diego State University, where she majored in Spanish, and the University of La Verne, where she earned her doctorate in education.

Her husband, Joe Condon, is superintendent of the Lawndale Elementary School District near Los Angeles International Airport.

McClain and her husband have six children, all grown.

McClain's district in Hermosa Beach is among the highest performing in California, with an Academic Performance Index – the state's key measure of overall school performance – of 905 in 2007. Del Mar Union had a higher API score in 2007 – 947 – and with about 3,800 students, it's more than three times bigger than the district in Hermosa Beach.

Del Mar school trustees were particularly impressed by McClain's efforts to introduce foreign languages to elementary school students. McClain established a Spanish language program in Hermosa Beach and also launched a program in Mandarin.

K-8 schools chief is leaving Hermosa Beach school district

Source: The Daily Breeze

Article Launched: 08/20/2008 10:58:03 PM PDT

Hermosa Beach City School District is losing its superintendent to a larger district with similar demographics and high test scores in suburban San Diego.

Sharon McClain, who has served as superintendent at the Hermosa Beach K-8 district since 2003, accepted the top job at Del Mar Union School District at a closed-session school board meeting in San Diego on Wednesday evening.

Board members from Del Mar Union, who had ousted a 10-year superintendent earlier this year, visited Hermosa Beach schools on Wednesday.

"I love Hermosa, I don't want to leave Hermosa," McClain said. "(Del Mar Union) is just bigger, so it's kind of a promotion in a way."

Del Mar Union, a K-6 district with eight schools in Del Mar and north San Diego, has about 4,100 students. Hermosa Beach has two campuses with about 1,100 students.

Both districts have top-tier test scores and majority-white student bodies.

Hermosa Beach will likely appoint an interim superintendent, said McClain, who promised to stay through a short transition period.

McClain's husband, Joseph Condon, is the longtime superintendent of Lawndale School District and will remain in that position, officials there said.

Schools chief goes to bigger district

Source: Easy Reader News

by Robb Fulcher
Published August 21, 2008

Hermosa public school Superintendent Sharon McClain will resign to take the helm of the larger Del Mar Union School District down the coast in San Diego County.

McClain, who led the Hermosa district for five years, was long rumored to be leaving for the top job in a larger school district. Her resignation was revealed in an official announcement for a closed-door meeting of the Hermosa Beach City School District scheduled for this morning. One item on the meeting agenda read: “public employee resignation – superintendent.”

“I’m excited about it because it’s going to be a challenge. It’s going to be a bigger district,” McClain said in a telephone message Tuesday. “But I’m really going to miss Hermosa.”

The Del Mar school district serves 4,100 students, which is about four times the number of the Hermosa district, and has eight campuses, which is four times the number of the Hermosa district.

The Del Mar district has been led by an interim superintendent since March 5.

McClain joined the Hermosa district as superintendent five years ago to the month, replacing Robert “Duffy” Clark.

At Hermosa, McClain helped oversee construction of a controversial gymnasium-library-classroom building that was approved before her arrival for the third-through-eighth grade Hermosa Valley School, and she weathered an unsuccessful lawsuit that sought to halt the project.

During her tenure the school district unsuccessfully asked voters for fresh school bonds in 2006 and a “parcel tax” on Hermosa properties in 2008. Many school district critics cited the gymnasium building as a reason for opposing additional infusions of money.

McClain also presided over continued high performance by Hermosa students, who traditionally score well on the standardized academic tests that state education officials prize.

Meanwhile, the school district was dogged by the budget woes of Sacramento. When McClain arrived in Hermosa parents were asked to donate $300 per student to keep a number of academic programs afloat; as she leaves, the requested donation amount has more than doubled.

This summer the Hermosa Beach City Council donated $100,000 worth of services to the school district to help cover a projected $1.2 million shortfall for the coming school year, after parent donations and other private fundraising efforts brought in $690,000.

Before coming to Hermosa, McClain served as superintendent of the Mesa Union School District in Ventura County, which like Hermosa serves kindergarten through eighth grade students. Mesa Union had 550 kids, about half the number Hermosa has, and had one campus, which also is half the number Hermosa has.

Del Mar Union trustees to hire superintendent

Source: http://signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20080820-0734-1bo20sup.html
7:34 a.m. August 20, 2008

DEL MAR: Del Mar Union School District trustees are expected to hire the head of the Hermosa Beach City School District as superintendent this evening, after a six-month search.

Sharon McClain, an educator for more than 30 years, is expected to be hired by trustees at a special board meeting at 5 p.m. at Ashley Falls School, 13030 Ashley Falls Drive in Carmel Valley.

Twenty-one people applied for the Del Mar superintendent position, and the board narrowed the field to six finalists, said Ken Noonan, whose firm, The Cosca Group, conducted the search. The board was eager to hire someone before the start of the school year on Monday.

“I think it's a very good match,” said Noonan, a trustee for the state Board of Education and the former superintendent of the Oceanside Unified School District.

“I hope I can come to Del Mar,” McClain said. “It's a wonderful school district . . . with great teachers and staff.”

The Hermosa Beach district, which enrolls about 1,100 students in kindergarten through sixth grade, is smaller than Del Mar Union, which enrolls about 3,800. Under McClain's leadership, the Hermosa Beach district is one of the top performing districts in the state.

Del Mar schools open new era with new superintendent

Source: Del Mar Times

Wednesday, August 20, 2008
By Jim Kerr

McClain announcement was expected tonight

The party's over for about 4,200 Del Mar and Carmel Valley kids. Monday, Aug. 25 marks the first day of classes for the Del Mar Union School district and its eight elementary school campuses.

It's not just the start of another school year but also the dawning of a new era in the district. This will be the first school year in a decade that the district will open without Tom Bishop as school superintendent.

Last February, district trustees somewhat controversially bought out the contract of Bishop, ending 10 years of leadership that saw the opening of five new schools in the district and causing a rift among a large group of parents and educators. But with six months of water under the bridge, the district is now prepared to introduce another leader in an era most likely marked by decreasing growth and economic challenges. Although not official yet, it is believed a closed session meeting of trustees today will result in the naming of Hermosa Beach City School Superintendent Sharon McClain as Del Mar's new leader. Del Mar trustees were scheduled to travel to Hermosa Beach this morning to speak to members of that district's school community and return later to the Del Mar district's Ashley Falls School for the announcement.

When contacted earlier today, McClain acknowledged she was being considered for the post but could not give further details.

"I hope to be named and I would be thrilled to be named," she said. "Del Mar is a wonderful district and very similar to Hermosa except larger."

The Hermosa Beach district oversees about 3,000 less students than the Del Mar district, but like Del Mar is considered one of the higher performing districts in the state in regard to test scores. The Hermosa district also operates as does Del Mar, with a successful education foundation, school site councils and well-regarded special education program. The district has been in existence for about 100 years.

Del Mar will open its oldest current school, Del Mar Hills Academy, without a permanent principal, after seven-year principal Laurie Francis accepted the vacant principal post at the San Dieguito High School District's Carmel Valley Middle School. The district has named an acting principal for the school, former Cardiff School District Superintendent Vince Jewell. Jewell, 58, retired last year from the Cardiff district after spending four years as superintendent. At the time he said he was retiring to devote more time to being an artist. Bernard said Jewell's art background would be a good fit for the school's academy format and that Jewell would stay on at the school until trustees name a fulltime replacement.

That replacement might have some shared duties in the future. Bernard acknowledged that at the Sept. 3 school board meeting, trustees would begin an initial conversation concerning possibly folding both Del Mar Hills and Del Mar Heights into one school. Under that scenario, one school might hold kindergarten through second grade classes and the other, third through sixth grade classes. Under that format, the two campuses could possibly share one principal and an assistant principal. Bernard said that one of the schools could also house the district's preschool and employee childcare facility. Depending on the final outcome of the purchase deal with the city of Del Mar for the Shores property, that facility could need a new home.

"These are options for an initial discussion and they have been thrown out there as a possibility," said Bernard.

With decreasing student population at the two schools - especially Del Mar Hills, which will lose 30 students this year - rumors have circulated for several years over the possible closure of one. The schools sit within one mile of each other off of Del Mar Heights road just east of Interstate-5.

"We will put some other ideas out there, but we will obviously want a lot of public input on this," said Bernard.

No such problems exist, though, at the district's Carmel Valley schools, where a sudden upturn in student registrations last week prompted a need for the posting of four additional teaching positions. The registration influx has delayed the approval of some intradistrict transfers and has had the greatest impact at the district's newest school Ocean Air.

According to Rodger Smith, director of facilities and planning for the district, Ocean Air will have 110 additional students over last year.

He said Ashley Falls School experienced an enrollment drop of about 28 students, as did Carmel Del Mar school, which saw a 20 student drop. Overall, the district will gain about 70 students from last year.

As usual, grades kindergarten through sixth have an 8 a.m. start with grades first through sixth dismissed at 2:30 a.m. except on minimum day Wednesdays when dismissal is at 12:30 p.m. Kindergarten students are dismissed daily at 12:40 p.m., but commencing Sept. 15, kindergarten students will have one extended day per week with a 1:45 p.m. dismissal. Their respective kindergarten teachers will inform parents of the new schedule.

---

Jim Kerr
Jim is the editor for the Del Mar Times, Carmel Valley Leader, Solana Beach Sun and Rancho Sante Fe Record. Jim can be reached by e-mail.

Del Mar school district expected to name superintendent Wednesday

Source: http://signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20080819-1923-bn19supe.html.

By Bruce Lieberman
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

7:23 p.m. August 19, 2008

DEL MAR – The superintendent of the Hermosa Beach City School District is expected to be hired as head of the Del Mar Union School District at a board of trustees meeting Wednesday evening.

Sharon McClain, an educator for more than 30 years, was chosen as the top contender out of 21 applicants, Ken Noonan, whose firm The Cosca Group conducted the search, confirmed Tuesday afternoon.

McClain, contacted in Hermosa Beach, said she was thrilled at the possibility of coming to Del Mar.

“It's a beautiful community, with great teachers and staff,” she said. “It's heaven in terms of school districts.”

The Del Mar school board is scheduled to vote to hire McClain at a special meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday. The meeting will be at Ashley Falls School, 13030 Ashley Falls Drive in Carmel Valley.

Del Mar Union has been without a permanent superintendent since late February, when a fractured school board ousted Tom Bishop, who had a 10-year tenure. Trustees Annette Easton, Katherine White and Steve McDowell, who have formed a consistent voting bloc on the board, had criticized Bishop for running the district with what they said was a heavy hand.

Former Trustee Linda Crawford, who resigned from the board in mid-March, and Trustee Janet Lamborghini, who is not running for re-election this fall, supported Bishop but made up a board minority.

The Del Mar school board is scheduled to spend most of the day Wednesday visiting McClain's school district in Hermosa Beach, which enrolls about 1,100 students and is one of the top-performing in the state. Its Academic Performance Index, a state measure of academic performance, was 905 in 2007 – compared with Del Mar Union's score of 947. Both are considered among the best in California.

Del Mar Union, with about 3,800 students, is more than three times larger than the district in Hermosa Beach.

The Del Mar board was eager to hire someone by the start of school on Monday, and trustees worked especially hard in recent weeks to comb through a group of finalists, Noonan said.

“Our company's goal was to present a very difficult decision to make,” he said. “The candidates were superb, so it was not easy for them to choose.”

White would not confirm that the board was considering McClain, and she declined to say anything about the search until Wednesday.

“We haven't made any announcements about anything,” White said. “We obviously have not taken a vote. Otherwise, we would have had to announce it.”

Lamborghini and Easton also said they couldn't comment. Trustees Steve McDowell and Doug Perkins could not be reached Tuesday evening.

Noonan said the board was particularly impressed by McClain's dedication to exposing elementary school students to foreign languages. In Hermosa Beach, she championed a program to teach students Spanish in a district where few are native Spanish speakers. She also has worked to establish a foreign language program in Mandarin, and she has traveled to China to research language programs there, Noonan said.

McClain majored in Spanish as an undergraduate at San Diego State University, and for a time she studied in Guadalajara, Mexico, and in San Antonio de Belen in Costa Rica.

She completed her master's degree at National University and received her doctorate from the University of La Verne.

Over the years, McClain has worked as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent.

Her husband, Joe Condon, is superintendent of the Lawndale Elementary School District, near Los Angeles International Airport.

The couple are the parents of six children, including four foster children. All are grown.

McClain has worked as a vocal teacher, and she plays the violin and piano – pluses for the school district in Del Mar, whose parents have supported arts education.

The board is still negotiating McClain's salary and benefits, Noonan said Tuesday afternoon. Tom Bishop's salary was about $192,000 annually when he left.

Bruce Lieberman: (760) 476-8205; bruce.lieberman@uniontrib.com.

More information:

• Superintendent Sharon McClain
• Hermosa Beach City School District
• Hermosa's teachers march over pay
• Parents and community give to save school programs, jobs

Special Board Meeting 8-20 - Superintendent Appointment

Source: http://dmusd.org/district/files/openFile.aspx?fileID=5226

DEL MAR UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Ashley Falls School – Administration Conference Room
13030 Ashley Falls Drive
San Diego, CA 92130 (map)

NOTICE OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Wednesday, August 20, 20
9:20 A.M.

CALL TO ORDER - OPEN SESSION – 9:20 a.m.

BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED WILL BE LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

1. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
2. PUBLIC COMMENT

ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION. (ASHLEY FALLS SCHOOL – ADMINISTRATION CONFERENCE ROOM)

CALL TO ORDER – CLOSED SESSION

CLOSED SESSION AGENDA:

3. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT APPOINTMENT/EMPLOYMENT: TITLE: SUPERINTENDENT (PERMANENT) (G.C. 54957)

During Closed Session the Board will travel to Hermosa Beach, California to speak with members of the Hermosa Beach City School District community at the following location:

Hermosa Beach City School District 1645 Valley Drive Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (map)

Following the session in Hermosa Beach, the Board will return to the Administration Office at Ashley Falls School.

4. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR: (GOVERNMENT CODE 54957.6) AGENCY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES: KENNETH NOONAN AND BILL BRAGG, THE COSCA GROUP, UNREPRESENTED EMPLOYEE: SUPERINTENDENT (PERMANENT)

ADJOURN TO OPEN SESSION

RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION (Anticipated Start Time is 5:00 PM)

5. REPORT OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
6. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT APPOINTMENT/EMPLOYMENT: TITLE: SUPERINTENDENT (PERMANENT) (G.C. 54957) - OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT
7. ADJOURNMENT OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING OF AUGUST 20, 2008.

Mary Farrell's Statement to the Board

The meeting location

Read at the Special Board Meeting of Sunday, August 17, 2008

This meeting is improper and possibly illegal. I would like the record to show that my husband and I believe the law requires that this meeting be rescheduled to a more appropriate time and place.

When the announcement appeared yesterday that this special meeting was to be held on a Sunday morning at the home of a Board member, my immediate reaction was: “Have they taken leave of their senses?”

While some feel the need for speed in appointing a new superintendent, I feel it is regrettable that you did not feel this need earlier in the process when expediency did not lead you to abandon good judgement.

The public’s business must be conducted in public. It must be conducted at a time when all members of the public can attend. It is your civic responsibility to hold meetings at an appropriate time.

Sunday morning does not meet that standard. The public’s business must be conducted in a place accessible to all members of the public.

Specifically, the Brown Act, as explained in the CSBA booklet, says, “All board meetings must be open and public.... and meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act “.

I invite you to demonstrate that this meeting place complies with that requirement. The California Legislature has established a presumption in favor of public access. The following section is from “The Brown Act: Open Meetings for Legislative Bodies” published in 2003 by the California Attorney General’s Office:

”A legislative body may not conduct any meeting or function in any facility.... which is inaccessible to disabled persons ... (§ 54961.) A facility is accessible if it fully satisfies the accessibility requirements of Government Code section 4450 et seq. or Health and Safety Code section 19955 et seq., as well as the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. (§ 54953.2) If a meeting facility is inaccessible, the meeting must be moved to an accessible facility. “

Special School Board Meeting - Superintendent Appointment

Official Agenda, Special School Board Meeting
Sunday, August 17, 2008

2575 Cordero
Del Mar, CA 92014 (map)

NOTICE OF SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION BOARD MEETING
BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Sunday, August 17, 2008
9:00 a.m.

CALL TO ORDER- OPEN SESSION - 9:00 am

BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED WILL BE LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

1. Approval of Agenda
2. Public Comment

ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION

CLOSED SESSION AGENDA:

3. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT APPOINTMENT/EMPLOYMENT: TITLE: SUPERINTENDENT (PERMANENT) (G.C. 54957)

ADJOURN TO OPEN SESSION

RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

4. REPORT OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
5. ADJOURNMENT OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING OF AUGUST 17, 2008.

More information:

• Agenda - Special Board Meeting, August 17, 2008

Special School Board Meeting - Superintendent Appointment

Official Agenda, Special School Board Meeting • Saturday, August 16, 2008

CALL TO ORDER- OPEN SESSION - 8:30 am

BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED WILL BE LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

1. Approval of Agenda
2. Public Comment

ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION

CLOSED SESSION AGENDA:

3. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT APPOINTMENT/EMPLOYMENT: TITLE: SUPERINTENDENT (PERMANENT) (G.C. 54957)

ADJOURN TO OPEN SESSION

RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

4. REPORT OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION
5. ADJOURNMENT OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING OF AUGUST 16, 2008.

More information:

• Agenda - Special Board Meeting, August 16, 2008

Closed Meeting - Superintendent Appointment

Official Agenda, Special School Board Meeting • August 13, 2008

Del Mar Union School District Office
Conference Room
225 9th Street
Del Mar, CA 92014

Call To Order - Open Session - 6:00pm

Business To Be Transacted Will Be Limited To The Following:

1. Approval of Agenda
2. Public Comment

Adjourn To Closed Session

Closed Session Agenda:

3. Public Employee Appointment/Employment: Title: Superintendent (Permanent) (G.C. 54957)

Adjourn To Open Session

Reconvene To Open Session

4. Report Of Action Taken In Closed Session
5. Adjournment Of Special Board Meeting Of August 13, 2008.

More information:

• http://dmusd.org/district/files/openFile.aspx?fileID=4672

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.

---

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.

---

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.

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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?
   
   

   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.

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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.

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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.