District launches a search for assistant supe's job

Hired firm will seek administrative candidates from a nationwide pool

By Chantal Lamers

Officials from the San Jose Unified School District hired a search firm to find their most wanted--an associate superintendent of educational services to fill a soon-to-be vacated seat. But officials fear this will just be the beginning of many long searches to come.

Last fall, associate superintendent Joanne Mendoza announced her retirement to district officials. Mendoza, who has been with the district for about seven years, originally wanted to leave by January but agreed to stay until June.

SJUSD board member Carol Myers said that beginning in 2002, some great retirement packages will kick in for teachers and administrators, leading district officials on increasingly long, difficult pursuits to fill vacancies.

In the meantime, Plath and Associates, the firm hired to seek out potential administrators, will look for candidates nationwide, and a team of district administrators will evaluate potential candidates.

Myers said, in addition to the nationwide search, a few people within SJUSD have expressed interest in taking over Mendoza's position.

"It's going to be really hard to fill her shoes," Myers said about the long hours Mendoza spends in her office.

The associate superintendent reports directly to the superintendent of schools, acting as a district manager. She's responsible for curriculum and instruction, including all services and programs that support student education.

Administrators hope to narrow the nationwide search to five candidates by May and have a new associate superintendent by July 1. Myers concedes that July is a little ambitious, and says administrators would be happy to fill the position by August 1.

SJUSD spokesperson Maureen Davidson said, since the search was launched, board members have held meetings with parents, teachers and administrators to help determine what qualities candidates should possess. These brainstorming sessions helped administrators outline the profile of the next associate superintendent for the district.

Applications for this position are due at the district by April 14.

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