Huntington Beach Union High School District superintendent to retire

Huntington Beach Union High School District will soon begin the process of searching for a new superintendent.

District officials announced Monday the pending retirement of Supt. Clint Harwick, who will be leaving the position after seven years. Harwick, 61, will finish out the remaining academic year before his departure this August.

“After 36 years in education and 21 years as superintendent, the timing felt right to retire so I could spend more time with my two amazing granddaughters,” Harwick told the Daily Pilot. “They are 3½ and 1½, and I want to spend more time with them before they enter school. It is such a precious time to see them grow and explore the world.”

Prior to the Huntington Beach Union High School District, Harwick was a superintendent in the Rim of the World Unified School District in San Bernardino County; the Charter Oak Unified School District in Covina and Saddleback Valley Unified School District in Mission Viejo.

A news release announcing his retirement noted Harwick was was a school custodian, teacher and site administrator prior to superintendent. During his time as a superintendent of the Huntington Beach Union High School District, Harwick oversaw its six comprehensive high schools and three alternative education schools.

Among his proudest accomplishments in the district, Harwick said, were the development and implementation of the Unified Sports and Unified Arts programs, which allow for students with disabilities to participate in those areas, and completion of four swimming pool projects. He also listed the installation of air conditioning units throughout the district, increased access for students to college programming and the restoration of the Giving Farm at Westminster High School.

“The school district is in good place because of the team we get to work with every day, including outstanding teachers, classified staff and dedicated administrators that care about each other and the students they serve,” Harwick said. “It’s been a blessing to serve public school educators and dedicated staff that realize an investment in the development of our youth is an investment in our future.”

Harwick was hired as superintendent of HBUHSD in 2016 after the departure of then-Supt. Gregory Plutko, who left for another district.

District board president Duane Dishno, who was also the board president at the time of Harwick’s hiring, said in a statement, “Dr. Harwick has played such a critical role in affecting the climate, attitude, and reputation of our schools! He has provided momentum and direction by pairing his vision for our students and our schools with an unrelenting passion for instructional improvement.

“Most importantly, he has conveyed a sense of connection and belonging by helping all of us to understand that we succeed and fail together. Our students and staff have felt safe and cared for under his leadership. Dr. Harwick has inspired the best in every member of our district team. While we wish him well in his retirement, his smile and compassion will be missed.”

The school board of trustees met at a special meeting on March 16 to discuss the next steps for hiring a new superintendent, according to district staff.