Trustees Ask Public to Help Find, Hire New Schools Chief

By LESLIE EARNEST

Feb. 20, 1997 12 AM PT

Hoping to save money by using the expertise of some residents here, trustees of the Laguna Beach Unified School District are seeking the public’s help in their search for a new superintendent.

Several special meetings have been scheduled for next week to address the subject of hiring a new superintendent, including a public session Wednesday night.

Specifically, the board wants residents to help define what educational challenges the district will likely face over the next five years and help sketch a profile of a superintendent who could effectively address those challenges.

“We’re inviting everyone in the community to come forward,” board President Susan Mas said. While the community has always been involved with the school district, Mas said, this is the first time the board has relied so heavily on the public’s input in hiring an administrator.

“I think the reason we even considered this is the financial condition of the district,” said Mas, referring to a financial crisis that has plagued this district for the past year. “We’re doing everything in good faith to cut costs.”

For starters, the board has enlisted the help of residents Marge and Bob Earl, who own an executive search firm. The Earls have agreed to work with focus groups composed of parents, teachers, administrators and community groups to help define the characteristics the superintendent should have and help find and hire a new leader.

While they don’t have children who attend school here, Bob Earl said he and his wife simply wanted to help.

“It’s kind of what people do here,” he said.

The board will address the subject of hiring the new superintendent at a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The session for public input will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Invited focus groups, including members of the City Council, Chamber of Commerce and community groups, will meet at 5 p.m. Feb. 27.

The meetings will be held in the board room at district headquarters at 550 Blumont St. Information: (714) 497-7700, Ext. 202.