Returning Home

Gary Rutherford is coming home.

Again.

A former district director of curriculum, Rutherford now inherits from

Duane Dishno the title of superintendent of schools.

The Huntington Beach resident has spent the past two years as the

assistant superintendent of educational services in the Westminster

School District. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine

University, a master’s degree from California State L.A. and completed

his doctoral degree in organizational leadership at the University of La

Verne.

Rutherford sat down with the Independent’s Mike Sciacca to discuss his

new job.

What do you bring to the district?

I first came to work in HBCSD in 1996 when I was selected as the

director of curriculum and instruction. During the time I was in this

position, I had many opportunities to work closely with students,

parents, teachers and classified employees, administrators and community

groups on a variety of projects. I really came to love this district --

expectations are high, people at all levels expect to be involved and the

needs of students always comes first. These values closely match my own.

I am committed to continue this positive and productive climate while at

the same time searching for ways to move the district to the next level.

What, do you feel, is the biggest challenge facing the district?

At this point in its history, Huntington Beach City faces many of the

same challenges as other districts in Orange County. Our facilities,

while attractive and well-maintained, are aging and in need of

modernization to deliver a world-class education. This takes money, and

funding is always in short supply. We need to do whatever it takes to

ensure that all of our campuses are safe, up-to-date and equipped to

provide excellent educational opportunities for all students. The

children of our community deserve no less.

Is it a plus, do you feel, to work and live in the same city?

So far, I can only see the advantages. My wife, Lynda, and I both grew

up in Downey, where we bought our first home, raised two daughters and

worked for the Downey Unified School District. We appreciated the

opportunity to invest in our community through service in the local

schools. After commuting to Huntington Beach for two years, I fell in

love with the people, the ocean breezes and the small-town atmosphere. It

didn’t take long before we made the decision to move and we chose

Huntington Beach for our new home. Last year, Lynda took a position as a

speech therapist at Edison High School, so our transition is complete.

I’m sure I’ll experience some challenging moments in the grocery store,

or in my driveway, now that I am superintendent. But that won’t outweigh

the advantages of living and working in Huntington Beach.

The 2001-2002 school year is upon us. What can students and parents in

the district look forward to?One of the great things about working in

education is the “fresh start” we get each and every September. Students

are anxious to see their old friends, meet new ones, try out some new

clothes and get back to learning. Parents look forward to watching their

children grow and mature in a nurturing, positive environment. It’s a

great time [for] hope and anticipation.

There is much to look forward to this year. Our instructional program

is rigorous, student-centered and designed to meet the needs of all

learners. I am especially impressed by the district’s commitment to

hands-on, inquiry-based science instruction. The district’s ScienceWorks

project provides students with exciting opportunities to experience the

richness of the world around them, while also gaining content knowledge

and foundational skills. The lessons are so motivating and inviting that

students can’t wait to record their observations and then read to gain

more information. It’s the best example of integrated learning I’ve

observed in 20 years in the profession. On a lighter note, the next

Huntington Beach City School District will celebrate its centennial next

year. I’m sure we will find creative and fun ways to commemorate 100

years of excellence and service to the community.’