FOUNTAIN VALLEY : School District Chief Says He Will Retire

After 10 years as the top administrator for the Fountain Valley School District, Supt. Ruben L. Ingram has announced his retirement.

Ingram’s contract expires next year, but he has asked the Board of Trustees to give him an early retirement.

Ingram, 60, joined the district in 1980 as an assistant superintendent of instruction and four years later moved up to head the district. But now, after a 39-year career in education, Ingram said it’s time to pursue other professional interests.

“Thirty-nine years is a pretty lengthy career, and since things are in good shape and I’m in good shape, it seemed like a good time to do it,” said Ingram, who plans on doing consulting work.

Ingram’s retirement will be effective Aug. 15. Deputy Supt. Robert G. Sampica has been appointed interim superintendent.

Board of Trustees President Robert Sedlak hailed Ingram as a “stabilizing influence” for the district. Sedlak said during Ingram’s tenure he has improved labor negotiations and relations and managed to keep the budget balanced, despite declining enrollment.

Ingram started his career in 1955 with Long Beach Unified School District. He has taught at the elementary, high school and university levels and also served as principal at three elementary schools.

During the last decade with Fountain Valley School District, Ingram said, he is most proud to have been instrumental in improving students’ achievements on state testing, building trust and mutual respect among employees, opening child-care programs at the eight elementary schools and equipping classrooms with computers.