San Marino : New Schools Chief Named

Gary G. Richards, 40, was named superintendent of the San Marino Unified School District at Tuesday’s school board meeting. Richards, currently San Marino’s assistant superintendent for instructional services, will begin his new duties on Oct. 1 when Supt. David Brown leaves to become superintendent of Irvine Unified School District.

Richards has been with the district for eight years, first as assistant principal and then principal of San Marino High School before becoming assistant superintendent last year. He began his career as a teacher and curriculum specialist in Glendale and is an adjunct professor at the USC School of Education, where he earned a doctorate. He lives in Glendale with his wife, a bilingual coordinator for Glendale schools, and their two children.

In announcing the appointment, which was made without conducting a search, San Marino school board President Selma Sax said, “If we had conducted a search for a new superintendent, we could not have found anyone better. We are delighted to be able to act promptly, moving forward without missing a step.”

Brown, who announced his resignation two weeks ago, will be honored at a public farewell party on Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. in the district office, 1665 West Drive. He has been superintendent since 1980.