VENTURA : Spirito May Become New Schools Chief

The board of the Ventura Unified School District tonight will discuss whether to appoint Acting Supt. Joseph Spirito as chief administrator of the 15,000-student district.

Spirito assumed the position of acting superintendent Aug. 25, after former administrator Cesare Caldarelli Jr. resigned to take a job at a suburban Chicago school district.

At least two board members--John Walker and Diane Harriman--said Monday they will recommend that Spirito be named Caldarelli’s permanent replacement because of his popularity among teachers, parents and staff.

“I’ve received numerous calls from parents and teachers telling me what a good job he’s done,” Walker said. “In fact, some people have said that he’s working so hard that they’re afraid he is going to burn himself out.”

Spirito, 58, said he is more than willing to take over the superintendent’s job on a permanent basis if it is offered.

“Absolutely,” he said. “I will accept.”

Another option for the school board would be to hire a consultant to help find a superintendent. But officials said this is not likely because such a move would involve additional costs that the financially squeezed district cannot afford.

The board is scheduled to discuss the issue during its regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St.

Board President Terence Kilbride will make a short presentation to the panel on what Spirito’s appointment would cost the district in terms of salary and benefits.

Kilbride declined Monday to discuss his position on the issue, saying he would reserve comment until tonight’s meeting. Board members May Lee Berry and Jim Wells could not be reached for comment Monday.

The board is not expected to take any official action until its Dec. 15 meeting.

Spirito has served as assistant superintendent of educational services for the past five years and continues to perform those duties along with those of acting superintendent.

Both Walker and Harriman said that, if Spirito is appointed superintendent, his position as head of educational services will be eliminated and those duties will be handled by other administrative offices. This could save the district an estimated $80,000 a year.