John P. Cook; Head of Montebello School District

John P. Cook, who was superintendent of the Montebello Unified School District from 1976 to 1991, has died at age 67.

Cook died Aug. 20 in Montebello of a heart attack, school officials said.

During Cook’s tenure, the district initiated several innovative programs that cut the dropout rate in half. But Cook also faced criticism and was forced to lay off staff as state funding decreased and the district’s spending exceeded its budget.

Educated at UCLA, Cook taught for two years in Germany and was a teacher at Emerson Junior High School and Pomona High School, both in Pomona, before moving into administration.

He served as student activities director and counselor in the Pomona Unified School District. He also held several junior high and high school administrative posts before moving to the district office.

In 1972, Cook became assistant superintendent of personnel for the Montebello district, which also includes parts of the cities of Bell Gardens, Monterey Park and Pico Rivera.

Four years later he was appointed superintendent.

Cook was active in the community, working with the Rio Hondo Boys & Girls Club, the Salvation Army Eastmont Corps, the Montebello-East Los Angeles YMCA, United Way and the Montebello Rotary Club.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Barbara, and two children, Megan and John Jr.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday in Rose Hills Memorial Park Chapel, 3900 S. Workman Mill Road, Whittier.