Search for school superintendent continues

Mary Beth P. Adomaitis

The search for a new superintendent of the Huntington Beach City

Schools continues, with the position hopefully filled by mid-fall.

Earlier this year, Supt. Duane Dishno announced he would step down

July 1 after 20 years of service to the district to spend more time with

his family.

Since then, the district has advertised in statewide educational

publications for a successor.

“We’re on a timeline, and the opportunity for perspective candidates

to get their applications in to us by July 16,” said trustee Brian

Garland.

He added that at the point, a group of consultants hired by the

district will screen the applicants based on the parameters given by the

school board.

“Our consultants came and interviewed community, teachers and every

special interest group we have about what they would like to see in a

superintendent,” Garland said. “This will be the weeding-out process.”

On or about Aug. 10, the school board will narrow the list applicants

down to about a handful, who will then be called in for personal

interviews. The board hopes to pick the superintendent a week or so

later.

“We would like to have this person start in September,” Garland said.

“However, if it is a person who already has a position as a

superintendent, we have to be patient and give them time to get here.”

In the meantime, Asst. Supt. Kathy Kessler is handling the day-to-day

duties, and even though Dishno is no longer officially with the district,

he is still lending his expertise where and when it is needed.

Last month, the school board approved an agreement between the

district and Dishno, which allows him to provide administrative advice

and services to the district. Services will be provided on a per diem and

as-needed basis through Sept. 30.

“He’s on a part-time consulting basis,” said trustee Shirley Carey.

“He’s coming in as needed two or three days a week. When he’s free, he’s

available to us.”

The newly appointed superintendent will assume office on or about

mid-October, depending on when they are able to start.