VENTURA : Schools Chief’s Contract Extended

The board of the Ventura Unified School District has voted to extend Supt. Cesare Caldarelli’s contract despite opposition from two unions representing more than 1,200 teachers and classified employees.

The contract that the trustees approved on a 3-1 vote Tuesday runs until June 30, 1994. Board President Vincent Ruiz was absent.

“In reviewing all the projects we gave him to do, we all agree he got a favorable rating,” Trustee Terence Kilbride said of Caldarelli.

Trustee John Walker said he voted against the renewal because he does not like the terms of the superintendent’s “evergreen” contract. He said his vote did not reflect problems with Caldarelli.

Caldarelli has a three-year contract that is reviewed annually by the board after the school year ends. During each review, the board may elect to extend the contract for another year.

John Gennaro, president of the Ventura Unified Education Assn., said teachers object to that type of contract. In addition, he said, teachers are dissatisfied with Caldarelli’s performance.

Last year, a majority of teachers who were polled indicated that they had no confidence in the superintendent.

The union had asked the school board to wait on the contract until after the school board elections in November.

Caldarelli could not be reached for comment.