James Davis Selected as Superintendent

La Canada Unified School District officials have appointed Assistant Supt. James Davis as head of the 3,700-student district.

Davis, who is currently in charge of curriculum and instruction, will replace Judith Glickman, the district’s governing board announced at its Tuesday night meeting. Glickman is leaving to head the American School in London after four years in the La Canada post.

Davis, 44, joined the district in 1989 as principal of La Canada High School after eight years as a teacher and 11 years as an administrator with the Los Angeles Unified School District. While an administrator there, he helped coordinate one of the first gifted magnet schools and Belmont High, the district’s largest year-round high school.

As assistant superintendent in La Canada, a position he has held since the beginning of this academic year, Davis has developed several programs--including the Career Institute, which involves high school students with mentors from various professions. In addition, Davis has written grant proposals that have brought almost $200,000 to the district.

Because he has been working closely with the district’s administrative staff and Glickman for the past three years, Davis says his transition to the superintendent’s post will be smooth.

He first plans to meet with students and community representatives to determine whether the district is headed in the right direction. He does not, however, foresee any major changes.

“Instruction will be my top priority. I will ensure that it continues to be a top-rated program,” Davis said.

The search for a new superintendent began in late February. A consultant interviewed administrators, teachers, students and parents in an effort to form criteria for selection of the best candidate. All of those considered for the post were from within the district.

Irene Mendon, governing board president, is pleased that the district did not have to look outside its boundaries for a replacement.

“It is a very positive indication of the strength of our administrative staff,” she said. “Appointing Davis will give our district continuity and allow us to maintain our momentum.”

Davis will assume his new position May 14. The terms of his contract, including salary, will be finalized at the next school board meeting May 5.