Were the last two superintendents of the School District – both charismatic personalities – as alike as they seemed or more different than they publicly seemed to be?

A onetime District employee assessed Dave LaRose and the just terminated Dr. Josh Arnold in perhaps surprising ways.

“Dave LaRose was reserved, and he liked to talk about himself,” the person said.

“He spent money wildly, like a drunken sailor.

“I have to believe he had an exit plan so he never would have to deal with the ramifications of all the spending.

“Dave was really good at spending money and convincing people to like him.

“He did a wonderful job of making the teachers like him,” said the person, “because he allowed them to talk about their strong need for a raise. They would argue that a raise was necessary to put them closer to the mid-range for Los Angeles County teachers.

“The conclusion was this could be done at no cost to the School District.

“Dave was great at making friends. The richest men can make friends real easily.”

The former employee offered a starkly different sizeup of Dr. Arnold, unexpectedly fired six days ago.

“Josh Arnold,” the person said, “became the face of the Culver City Unified School District.”

How?

“Josh was at as many events as it was possible to be.

“At a football game, I was close enough to hear him yelling at the officials.

“He was a little kid.

“So enthusiastic. He was doing everything he could. From that standpoint he was amazing.

“He knew about all the events going on. He publicized them. He was an incredible marketer.

“Josh could have made a fortune in sales,” the person said.

“He was the exact opposite of Dave LaRose who never showed up for anything.”

What Messrs. LaRose and Arnold had in common was that the departure of each was mourned.