COMPTON : More Candidates Sought to Head School District
State officials announced Thursday that they have expanded their search for an administrator to run the Compton Unified School District. The state’s first choice for the job, Oakland schools Supt. Richard P. Mesa, turned down the post last week.
The financially and academically struggling school system fell under state control as a condition for receiving a $10.5-million emergency state loan.
Acting state schools chief William D. Dawson selected Mesa after a panel of educators narrowed a list of 30 applicants to Mesa and two other finalists. In the wake of his withdrawal, Dawson wanted more choices, although the original applicants will still be considered, according to Patrick Chladek, an administrator with the state Department of Education.
The selection process is likely to take several more weeks. Interim State Administrator Stanley G. Oswalt will continue to manage the district, which must slash millions of dollars from its budget.
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