MUSD board hears plans to recruit new superintendent

Representatives of a consulting firm presented to board members on Tuesday a plan for recruiting the next superintendent of Menifee Union School District.

Dr. Joseph Condon and Dr. Suzette Lovely, consultants for Education Support Services Group, outlined a plan to survey groups including union leaders, administrators, teachers, parents and community leaders in preparation for selection of the new district superintendent. Dr. Steve Kennedy, who had served in that capacity for seven years, announced his retirement on May 23.

Dr. Gary Rutherford has been serving as interim superintendent since June 9. A veteran of 40 years in public education, Rutherford previously served as superintendent of the Deserts Sands, Upland and Huntington Beach school districts.

Rutherford (right) was named California Superintendent of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators in 2014.

While Rutherford oversees the district plans for reopening schools in time for the Aug. 12 start date, Condon and Lovely will supervise and recruit applications for the new superintendent, conduct background checks, and will recommend candidates to be interviewed.

“July is normally a difficult time to recruit … but it might not be as difficult as it otherwise would be," Condon said. "Nobody is going anywhere this summer and we will have access to candidates.”

At Condon’s request, the board agreed to add a July 14 meeting to its calendar to begin considering recommended candidates. That was originally an open date on the board’s summer calendar.

Board meetings on July 14 and July 28 will be open to the public, but personnel decisions will be made in closed session.