By Torre Peña
The Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint High School District Board of Trustees pared down a stack of résumés to five candidates hoping to fill the superintendent's position opening in June.
The next step is a rigorous interviewing process. A final decision is expected by the end of May.
Board members say they are being meticulous in choosing a successor for Tod Likins, who is retiring in June after seven years at the post.
Board president Ron Adolphson said Likins is leaving behind big shoes to fill.
"Tod has done a marvelous job," Adolphson said.
A former Saratoga High School principal, Likins is known as a straight shooter with good communication skills. The Santa Cruz native is retiring after 38 years in education.
The board will interview the five candidates on April 26.
"We're going to put these guys through the wringer," Adolphson said, commenting on the extensive interviewing process and background checks.
The actual selection process started months ago, when the board held public forums to consider input from the public. From the comments received, interview questions were developed.
An advisory committee was also formed to make recommendations and voice concerns to the board. The 12-person committee is made up of teachers, parents, district employees and a representative of the district's Teachers Association. The committee will also interview the candidates, but the final selection of a new superintendent is in the hands of the board.
This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, April 23, 1997.
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