SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : Schools Chief Plans to Retire June 30

Jerome Thornsley, superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District for 15 years, announced Tuesday that he will retire June 30.

Thornsley, 56, recently became embroiled in an investigation by the district attorney’s office over the alleged use of district money to influence a bond election, but the superintendent said that case did not influence his decision.

“I had always planned to retire after age 55,” Thornsley said.

He approached the board two years ago about retiring, he said, but board members persuaded him to remain until June, 1991.

“It was no big secret,” he said. “I agreed to stay for two more years, but now my time has come.”

Board members Tuesday praised Thornsley’s work in managing the district, which has more than doubled in size since he came aboard in 1975.

“Our board has had a wonderful marriage with the superintendent,” board president Annette Gude said. “We feel very fortunate we’ve had him so long. He’s part of the reason our school district is so stable. We’re going to miss him.”

The board will begin to seek a new superintendent in December, Gude said. Trustees are selecting a recruitment firm to conduct a national search.

Teachers union representatives said they hope to be included in narrowing down the candidates.

Ric Stephenson, president of the Capistrano Unified Education Assn., said: “Even though we’ve had a difficult time with (contract) negotiations, the union’s relationship with (Thornsley) has grown. We were able to accomplish several cooperative ventures this year, and I’m hopeful the new superintendent will continue the pattern.”