Supt. Dave LaRose informed Schoool Board members in closed session at Tuesday night’s Board meeting that he will be stepping down at the end of the year.
Mr. LaRose said his decision is a personal one. He is not leaving to take a position with another school district.
“If the next chapter of my life were to be in a leadership role for a school district, there is no place I would rather be than here in Culver City,” said Mr. LaRose.
The next chapter of his life may include a sabbatical, consulting or even teaching. “I am not sure what I will be doing next, but it has truly been an honor to serve the Culver City community.”
School Board President Steve Levin said he is sorry to see Mr. LaRose leave a district he has led for the past four years.
“Dave has been an amazing, charismatic leader,” Mr. Levin said. “We’re really sorry to see him go.
“He has helped us make great strides in the right direction. We are committed to keeping that momentum going. Dave’s legacy will benefit our students for years to come.”
During his time as superintendent, Mr. LaRose championed the Culver City Compact – a signed document that outlines the community’s commitment and vision for a bright educational future that was adopted by a wide array of community member, businesses and organizations.
He is known for being a strong advocate for the whole child. He believes that for every child to succeed, schools and communities must partner to ensure they are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, challenged and hopeful. This belief resulted in a number of collaborative efforts between school and community, including the integration of a Kids at Hope framework, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Summer Lunch and Fun, and the Backpacks for Kids Program.
For his efforts, the Friends of the Sandy Segal Youth Health Center honored him at their 2015 gala and recognized him for his commitment to the physical, emotional and academic health of all children.
Mr. LaRose has overseen perhaps the most ambitious facilities improvement program ever undertaken by the district. Measure CC, approved by voters in June 2014, provided $106 million to fund major renovations and technology upgrades to School District facilities. Those efforts are already are underway. They could take up to 12 years to complete.
Prior to coming to Culver City in 2012, Mr. LaRose served for four years as the superintendent of the South Kitsap School District in Washington state. He was named South Kitsap’s 2012 Man of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce and received the Kitsap Scouting 2011 Service to Youth Award. In 2009, Mr. LaRose received the Washington Assn. for Supervision and Curriculum Development Whole Child Award for his systemic and strategic approach to meeting the needs of all students.
Earlier, Mr. LaRose worked as a teacher and administrator in Arizona. He earned both a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Lyndon State College in Lyndonville, VT, and a master’s in education from Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, TN.
Mr. Levin said the School Board will undertake an exhaustive search for a new superintendent.
“The board will begin immediately,” he said.
The full text of Mr. LaRose’s message to the community:
Feb. 24, 2016
Dear School District families,
On Tuesday evening I shared the following announcement with the School Board.
Upon much reflection and deep consideration with my family, I have made the decision to resign as Superintendent for the Culver City Unified School District, effective June 30, 2016.
I do not make this decision lightly. However, I am confident that the time is right for me – both personally and professionally– to take a thoughtful and intentional break from the work I have always believed I was called to do. To be clear, this is not a typical strategic career decision driven by a new offer or position; rather, this is simply a personal, hopeful and uncertain leap of faith.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve with you. I consider myself fortunate to have been a part of such a collaborative and child-centered community. I am deeply committed to continuing our work in the coming months, with great intentionality for sustaining the focus and enthusiasm that currently fuels our district.
Thank you for your trust, support, leadership and encouragement. I believe our work together has been intentional, meaningful and impactful – and it is my sincere hope that this belief is shared by you, the CCUSD team and the community we serve.
It has truly been an honor to serve the Culver City community. CCUSD is a special place for many reasons – and the level of community support for our students and staff is unrivaled. Each day, the children and adults of CCUSD are provided opportunities and experiences that are made possible by a deeply engaged and generous community.
As noted, this is a very personal decision and I consider myself blessed to be supported and encouraged by my wife and daughters in making a choice of this magnitude.
I am personally and professionally grateful for the trust, faith and support you have given me. I look forward to the coming months as we strengthen and act on our shared belief — Success for All Takes Us All!
