The search is on for Solana Beach School District’s next superintendent.
After Superintendent Jodee Brentinger announced that she will retire in January, the school board tapped Educational Support Services (ESS) to lead its search, the same firm that also recently conducted San Dieguito Union High School District’s search. ESS consultants Suzette Lovely and Joe Farley also facilitated the search that resulted in the placement of Brentlinger in 2018, although at that time they were with the firm of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates: “We’re really proud of the work we’ve done here,” Lovely said.
The board held a workshop on Nov. 2 to discuss a timeline for the search and the process for community involvement. ESS will host focus groups with key education partners and two community forum meetings in Carmel Valley and Solana Beach, each with Mandarin and Spanish interpreters available. There will also be an online survey.
SBSD board President Debra Schade said while they don’t expect high numbers of attendance, with this type of hire it’s important to have a venue for public feedback in both areas of the district. Lovely noted that in San Dieguito they held two sessions in the northern and southern parts of the district—the first held at San Dieguito Academy had about 40 people attend, and the second at Pacific Trails Middle School had about 25-30 people in attendance although about half had also come to the other session.
The Solana Beach district forums have yet to be scheduled but updated information will be posted on the district website under superintendent search.
The board is anticipated to select a slate of candidates on Dec. 13 with interviews scheduled for Jan. 13-14, 2024. They are aiming to approve the contract for the new superintendent on Feb 8.
Through the survey and community outreach meetings, ESS will develop a leadership profile for the next superintendent. Everyone will be asked for the same input: what the strengths of the district are, what challenges and issues a new superintendent might face and the desired characteristics of an ideal superintendent.
Farley said the input received, complied with survey results, helps shape the leadership profile which serves as a screening instrument for candidates.
“It’s really kind of a fascinating process …the truth really emerges,” Farley said. “You get very solid data about where your district is and what the leadership needs are.”
The board is expected to approve the leadership profile on Dec. 5, after its new trustee has been sworn in. The board will be interviewing candidates for the board seat in open session on Nov. 9 to fill the seat of Vicki King, who announced her resignation last month.
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