Dr. Cindy Ranii, superintendent of the Los Gatos­Saratoga Joint Union High School District, announced at the board's Sept. 7 meeting that she's decided not to recommend a candidate for the position to the board. A new principal was expected to officially begin Oct. 1. Instead, Ranii is planning to restart the hiring process in early 2005. The process includes everything from paper screening and interviews to assessments and background checks.

Ranii said the search process was "an excellent use of time" because she gained a better sense of what the high school needs to propel it into the future. In the meantime, Bill Richter will lengthen his stay as interim principal through the remainder of the first semester. Richter, who retired in June of 2003, served for seven years as the principal of Lynbrook High School.

Ranii said that prior to Richter's departure the district will appoint a second-semester interim principal. Ranii said she hopes to bring a new permanent principal recommendation to the school board by May 2005.