Firm Chosen to Head Search for New CCUSD Superintendent

In the search for the next superintendent of the , the Culver City Unified District School Board voted unanimously on Tuesday for the firm, Education Leadership Services, pending negotiation of the contract.

The board made its decision after hearing presentations at City Hall from a representative from Education Leadership Services as well as representatives from Dave Long and Associates, the Cosca Group and Leadership Associates.

Wendell Chun, executive director of Northern California-based Education Leadership Services, was the final presenter. He spoke of creating a search that fits CCUSD’s needs.

“We customize the search for every district we work with,” Chun said. “We work with the board. We interview board members individually, and we propose a timeline and a process that would match what you want done.”

He told the board he is now on his 38th search and has a 92 percent success rate. Chun said his firm would also conduct a "very comprehensive" statewide advertising campaign for the position.

Board member Patricia Siever had concerns about how the firm would find diverse candidates. She also wanted to know whether they would reduce their fees given the fact the board had already compiled information during a previous search less than a year ago. Chun said he would offer a “considerable reduction” in his fees as a result.

Board member Nancy Goldberg was interested in the number of female candidates the firm has placed. Chun said that number makes up approximately one-third of the firm's candidates.

Luther Henderson, himself an educator and also a realtor, urged the board to consider Chun and Education Leadership Services before the vote.

“Though Chun may have a small group, they seem to be aggressive,” Henderson said. “They seem to be hungry for this.”

The board voted after a closed session discussion.

“My number one is Chun,” Siever said. “He’s very efficient, and I like him.”

Karlo Silbiger noted the fact Chun also teaches at USC and has “contacts to serve our needs” would be advantageous to the process.

The new superintendent will replace Culver City Unified School District Superintendent Patricia Jaffe who is scheduled to retire from her position, effective June 30.

Jaffe was appointed to the position in 2011 after serving as the interim director for six months. She made the announcement last month that she would step down, citing pension reforms as the main reason for her decision.

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