The search for an Orange Unified School District superintendent is off — at least for now.
School Board members recently decided to table hiring a search firm for a new superintendent — with most trustees offering different reasons for their decisions. It’s unclear when they will take up the matter again.
The district has been without a full superintendent since Jan. 5, when the board fired its superintendent on a split vote in a surprise move that has since spurred two lawsuits from parents and talk of recalls against those who voted for the firing.
The board is again divided, this time on their reasonings for not hiring a search firm at this time.
Trustee John Ortega said he was concerned about confidentiality and potential leaks during the process, referring to recent letters from the District Attorney’s office citing “significant evidence” that one trustee violated California’s open meeting laws by disclosing information from a closed-door session. Board President Rick Ledesma voiced the same concerns, adding that superintendents may not want to work for a divided school board.
And Kristin Erickson, the trustee named in the letters, said it might be difficult to attract candidates for the post when some of her colleagues may soon be facing a recall election.
During the Thursday, April 13, meeting, several board members expressed concern about the time needed to find a new superintendent and whether an immediate search would preclude some, especially those who are currently working, from considering applying.
“This isn’t the best time,” said Trustee Angie Rumsey.
Some trustees, including Erickson and Andrea Yamasaki, have argued that the board should have moved quicker to find a replacement for its top administrative job and not delay its search by months.
As the board decided whether to put off hiring a search firm, Ledesma asked the acting superintendent, Ernie Gonzalez: “If we do not move forward, what are your…
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