FULLERTON : District Plans Meetings on Search for Chief

Fullerton School District officials are seeking help from parents, other community members and school employees in finding a new superintendent for the district. School board members established guidelines this week for the job search and invited the public to three meetings, where ideas, advice and tips will be solicited.

District officials said they plan to ask the public:

* What do you consider to be the most significant problem or need a new superintendent will face?

* What, if any, significant changes do you feel need to be made in the district?

* What do you consider the most significant strength of the district to be?

* What do you consider to be the most significant qualities, skills and knowledge for the new superintendent?

The district is seeking a replacement for Supt. Duncan Johnson, who resigned last month. His last day will be June 30. Duncan earns $94,911 a year, but district officials said Thursday they have not yet settled on a salary for his successor.

On March 22, the district will advertise the opening and the application deadline will be May 5, said Leonard Murdy, who was hired by the district to coordinate the search.

He said finalists for the job should be chosen by May 16 and the new superintendent is expected to be named by May 26.

The public meetings are set for:

* Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. in the district office, 1401 Valencia Ave.

* Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Ladera Vista Junior High School, 1700 Wilshire Ave.

* March 2 at 7 p.m. at Parks Junior High School, 1710 Rosecrans Ave.

Additional meetings will take place before March 2 for teachers, administrators and other employees to offer suggestions as well.