Board Hastens Search for New Chancellor

Not satisfied with a staff proposal to wait a full year for a permanent chancellor, trustees of the Ventura County Community College District have told administrators to speed up the search process.

Acting Chancellor James W. Walker, named temporary chief after the November death of Thomas G. Lakin, recommended a timeline that included a three-month open recruitment ending in October and a starting date of Jan. 2, 1996.

But a majority of trustees late Tuesday said there is no reason to delay the recruitment and interview processes that long.

“I think we have plenty of time,” said trustee Allan W. Jacobs, who pushed for a July 1 start date. “I don’t know why it takes a year.

“There are plenty of people out there (who) I think are just waiting for the application,” Jacobs said. ‘

Meanwhile, trustee John D. Tallman said 13 candidates have applied for the job of interim chancellor, who will serve until a permanent replacement to Lakin can be found.

Walker, the Moorpark College president, agreed to serve as acting chancellor only until an interim administrator is hired.

“There aren’t that many (of the 13 candidates) who meet the criteria the screening committee has established,” said Tallman, one of two board members on the committee. “So we’ll probably be able to interview next week.”