Parents describe ideal superintendent

Parents and teachers got a chance Monday to help determine the type of person who will be the next superintendent for Laguna Beach Unified School District.

Three members of the Cosca Group, consultants for the district in the search, met with a small eight-person audience at Laguna Beach High School.

The participants outlined the qualities they wanted in a candidate to replace Supt. Robert Fraisse, who is retiring at the end of the school year after three years with the district.

The attendees said they wanted someone who could develop a five- to 10-year strategic plan for the district with feedback from the community. They also wanted a superintendent who would keep promises to the community.

Audience members liked the idea of the district as a basic aid school district, which means that the schools are funded by local property taxes instead of getting money directly from the state based on the number of students.

However, some said they want Laguna Beach schools to rank in the top 10% of schools in Orange County.

Cosca representatives said they will compile the suggestions from the forum with those from schools in the district.

The group will send the list to the Board of Education, which will prioritize which qualities are most desirable.

These items will be printed in a brochure which the Cosca Group will use to find superintendent candidates.