Schools Chief Quits; 2 Top Posts Are Open

Supt. Gwen Gross’ announcement Monday that she will leave the Ojai Unified School District has parents, students and educators once again adjusting to the loss of a top administrator.

Gross said she will leave her $117,000-a-year job to become the superintendent of the 5,200-student Beverly Hills Unified School District. She is expected to assume the post in early August. Her salary will be $150,000.

Sharon McClain, Ojai Unified’s assistant superintendent, announced earlier this month that she will be leaving to become superintendent of the Mesa Union School District in Somis.

Gross has been superintendent for four years. During that time, voters approved a $15-million school bond and the district was the lead school agency in spearheading the effort to win an Annenberg Rural Grant.

“It is, of course, bittersweet, because Ojai has been one of the most wonderful places professionally to work,” Gross said. “But it’s a great professional opportunity. It’s a good match for my skills and my background.”

In Beverly Hills, Gross said, she hopes to create a close-knit family atmosphere, like the one in Ojai.

Teachers throughout Ojai said they were sad to learn that Gross is leaving.

“Gwen Gross has done a good job,” said Jim McFadden, a computer design teacher at Nordhoff High School. “She’s always been nice to me. She has done a fine job in a hard position.”

McFadden said he is curious about Gross’ replacement, particularly because the district’s two top jobs are open. No matter who takes over, Gross will be a tough act to follow, he said.

“The teacher’s union received a 7% increase and other improvements throughout the district,” McFadden said. “The new man or woman who becomes superintendent will not have a whole lot of areas that haven’t already been improved by Gwen Gross.”

Pam Phillips, a 20-year teacher at Mira Monte Elementary School, said she has appreciated how Gross improved communication among educators throughout the district and how she made the schools run better.

“She made certain that everyone was involved, because she always wanted something great for schools,” Phillips said. “She said yes to a lot of people. She has brought a greater sense of openness and a willingness to listen. She wanted to listen to all the issues.”

The Ojai school board is expected to approve Gross’ resignation at its meeting today. The job at Beverly Hills district does not become official until June 27, when that board approves her employment. She was the only candidate for the position.

Gross said she looks forward to working for the Beverly Hills district because it offers her new challenges and is closer to her Westlake Village home.

Leo Molitor, former principal of Nordhoff and Chaparral high schools and assistant superintendent, will serve as interim superintendent until a new one is selected in early October.