First in a series.
Charismatic Josh Arnold’s first interview since arriving in Culver City two days earlier to superintend the School District demonstrated the safest prediction of the decade:
Resist if you will, you are going to like this dynamic, imaginative young educator – for his groundbreaking ideas, for his fresh-as-rainwater personality, for his take-charge-firmly-but-smoothly presence.
At a glance, Dr. Arnold fleetingly may resemble his predecessor Dave LaRose.
The impression is illusory.
They share parallels, but they differ as the sun does from the moon, neither less nor more, just markedly different.
He is more upbeat, cerebrally and physically, than John Philip Sousa at his professional crest.
He does not exactly speak with his hands, but throughout an interview, both of his hands traveled almost 100 miles.
Tall and strapping, he goes to the gym weekly – but not weakly.
He looks as if he could bench press Olympian barbells, intellectually as well as physically.
He is the in-person version of the quintessential American success story, with a twist.
Judging by his growing-up life at home, he may be unique. He started at the top. But he did not stay there. He has risen above it.
Smartly tailored, Dr. Arnold stepped out early yesterday afternoon to greet his interviewer.
When the journalist entered the still-to-be-decorated office, he handed the new superintendent a sheet with a dozen questions.
Once seated, Dr. Arnold asked, “Are we doing a conversation? Is this discourse back and forth? Or do you just want answers to these questions?”
“Any way you are comfortable,” he was told.
“I am going to add a question at the beginning?” Dr. Arnold said. “Is that alright?”
“Sure.”
“I am going to start in the beginning.
“My name is Josh Arnold, and I am born and raised Westside of Los Angeles.”
The engagingly family history that was about to unfold was unbudgeably riveting for the following hour and 20 minutes.
(To be continued)
