Buried beneath the welter of political campaign news this spring is the fact that the School District is exactly 100 days out from losing its latest Superintendent, the popular Patti Jaffe.
Last time this happened, almost two years ago, nobody perspired,
When Dr. Myrna Rivera Coté abruptly resigned over Memorial Day weekend, 2010, the just-retired Assistant Super, Ms. Jaffe, executed a nifty u-turn and seamlessly transitioned into the Interim Super’s seat, virtually by acclaim. Like the man who came to dinner and never went home, she was made permanent a year ago this month.
Her departure this time is permanent and irreversible. At next Tuesday’s School Board meeting, President Karlo Silbiger said a search firm will be selected.
“Then we will begin the process,” he said. “My guess is that because we just did this a year and a half ago, we probably will stay pretty consistent with the qualifications we set then:
“• Somebody with teaching experience.
“• Administrative experience in a school district.
“• Somebody who has at least a master’s degree in education.
“• Administrative credential.
“Preferably somebody with background in district-level administration.”
What about inside applicants, always popular with a community?
First name mentioned was Human Resources Director Leslie Lockhart, after she was touted at last week’s Board meeting by Teachers Union President David Mielke.
“I obviously have no idea how she would compare with other candidates,” said Mr. Silbiger, “and I don’t even know if she wants the job.
“I am a big Leslie Lockhart fan. In times when most districts are struggling through negotiations, she is so good at working with our unions, working with our employees.
“She is able to communicate with both sides. Remember the Board isn’t in negotiations. We are having to make decisions. She is the one communicating the union’s recommendations to us and our recommendations to them. She is the go-between.
“In very contentious times, she has been able to find ways to communicate that has gotten us to agreement, which is amazing.
“Leslie has been in Culver City for awhile,” Mr. Silbiger said. “She was assistant principal at the high school, principal at El Rincon, and then she administered state and federal programs.”
Mr. Silbiger said that with Ms. Jaffe leaving by June 30, “we need a replacement or interim person by July 1. Ideally, it would be nice to have a person in place a week or two before to get acclimated before taking charge.”
