By Shari Kaplan
The Los Gatos Union School District Board of Trustees has selected consultant Lee Mahon of Trident Enterprises to help search for a new superintendent to replace Stephen Benbow, who resigned in February following an extended leave of absence.
Mahon, a professor in the educational administration program at Santa Clara University, has worked as a consultant at several school districts, including Morgan Hill and the Union School District. He was selected after interviews with three candidates during an open special meeting March 28.
"If everything goes as we think it will go, we hope to have someone here by July or August," said Interim Superintendent Steve Peck, who will resume his former position as assistant superintendent when the new hire arrives.
The district will pay approx-imately $10,000 for Mahon's services.
Mahon met with the board April 16 to discuss the specific information and qualifications trustees would like to have mentioned in a recruitment brochure to be sent to various school districts and other organizations where prospective candidates might be found.
Peck said an advertisement has already been sent to a statewide educational publication.
To help ensure community input in the process of interviewing and screening superintendent applications, Mahon will be planning public forums within the next few weeks. She also will be organizing a steering committee of administrators, teachers, parents and other interested individuals to work with her and the district.
The deadline for all applicants is May 17. Screenings, interviews and additional special board meetings will then take place, followed by a final vote by board members, probably by this summer.
"One of the advantages of using a consultant is that they have this process pretty well outlined," Peck added.
This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, April 17, 1996
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