IRVINE : Schools Chief Search May Be Widened

The Irvine Unified School District will consider launching a statewide search to replace former Supt. David E. Brown, who left in October to head a Northern California school district.

The search for a new superintendent was put on hold because of the county’s fiscal crisis.

But Tuesday, school board members will consider hiring Berkeley-based Management Analysis and Planning Associates to conduct an executive search.

It is the same firm that launched a communitywide survey in November on the qualities desired in a new superintendent. The search will cost the district $9,800.

“The community input that we received indicated that they expect the board to find the most qualified person available,” said school board President Tom Burnham, “that we shouldn’t just consider only internal candidates.”

The school board was considering limiting Brown’s replacement to candidates within the school district. Two deputy superintendents are candidates for the top job.

But even with a statewide search, Burnham said, the district’s own candidates may prove to be the best qualified.

Acting Supt. Dean Waldfogel, who is also deputy superintendent of curriculum and instruction, said he does not want the job.

Deputy Supts. Susan Long and Paul Reed are candidates.

The school district plans to have a new superintendent hired by the beginning of the next school year, according to Burnham.

With $105 million frozen in the county investment pool, Irvine Unified is facing a potential $22-million loss, according to district officials.

“Clearly, as we work through this crisis, the need for leadership is critically important,” Burnham said. “We need to move forward.”