HAWTHORNE : Superintendent Quits, Cites Board Conflicts

Hawthorne Schools Supt. Christa Metzger has announced that she will resign after 3 1/2 years as the district’s top administrator.

Metzger cited changes in the management style of the school board as her reason for leaving. She did not want to leave the district in the middle of the school year, she said, but the school board refused to let her stay through June. Metzger declined to elaborate.

“I think it’s unfortunate that I am leaving,” Metzger said. “This isn’t at all in the best interest of the district.”

Board members declined to comment on Metzger’s impending resignation but said they have not been searching for a replacement.

Her original three-year contract was renewed by the board last February for one year.

Metzger joined the district in 1991 after serving for six years as superintendent for an elementary school district in Arizona.

During her tenure in Hawthorne, Metzger said, she has tackled the district’s budget problems while dealing with an increasing student population. The district’s enrollment has swelled by more than 2,000 over the past five years, according to district statistics.

Metzger’s latest project, pushing for a $15-million bond issue for school repairs, lost by 18 votes during the June elections.

Officials say Assistant Supt. Don Carrington will probably fill Metzger’s position until a permanent replacement is found.