Q & A

Acting Laguna Beach Unified School District Supt. Cheryl Baughn

Having survived a financial crisis that swept some of its leaders from their posts, the Laguna Beach Unified School District now has a flock of new administrators and a balanced budget. Last week, new trustees Steven Rabago and Eileen T. Walsh were sworn into office by new acting Supt. Cheryl Baughn, 49. Baughn, a Capistrano Beach resident, has been principal at Thurston Middle School for the past eight years. She replaces Jackson E. Parham, who filled the top slot when Supt. Paul M. Possemato took an early retirement in August.

The board had invited all district administrators to apply for the acting superintendent job, but no one, including Baughn, wanted it. Last month, Baughn was asked her to reconsider her decision. The district is now searching for a permanent superintendent.

Times correspondent Leslie Earnest spoke with Baughn.

Q: What is the greatest challenge still facing the Laguna Beach Unified School District?

A: The greatest challenge is to protect the financial stability of the district while we rebuild educational programs and restructure the district organization. Equally challenging is the need to build trust and, over time, reinstate salaries and essential programs.

Q: What will be your greatest challenge as the district’s current leader?

A: I think that my greatest challenge is to work with the district, school site staff, community and the Bard of Eucation in the areas of reorganization and rebuilding. Somehow I’m going to need to be able to bring groups of people together and to find our commonalities and find solutions that will satisfy a variety of needs.

Q: In light of the district’s financial difficulties, do you foresee changes in the schools: for example, larger class sizes or fewer programs for students?

A: I think it’s too early to answer that question. I think it’s unlikely that we will be able to add back programs in the 1997-98 school year. Whether we will need to make additional reductions in programs will be part of the budget development process this spring.

Q: Why did you change your mind about taking the job as acting superintendent?

A: In September, when I was given the opportunity to apply for the position, Thurston was in the process of opening new classrooms and beginning the school year. Under the circumstances, I felt that it was essential for me to be at Thurston to provide the necessary leadership for the opening of school.

Q: Do you plan to apply for the permanent superintendent position?

A: I haven’t made a decision yet.