Calexico Unified School District’s search for the next superintendent is underway

The district has hired a consulting firm to assist with the search. News 11's Vanessa Gongora spoke to the consultant about what they are looking for.

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - The Calexico Unified School District (CUSD) initiated the search for a new superintendent after Superintendent Carlos R. Gonzales announced his resignation affected as of June 30, 2022.

CUSD has hired Education Support Services (ESS), a consulting firm that assists school districts with superintendent searches, governance training, human resources and more.

The Governing Board decided to retain a third party to show commitment in finding the best candidate through an open and transparent process, while also protecting the confidentiality of the applicants.

ESS says they talked to the school district about what they want and who they are looking for.

The consulting firm then interviews every candidate with a wide list of questions to get to know how prepared they are and to make sure there are no surprises in their background.

They begin to contact not only referrals on the forms but people they know that could provide more information to get an honest assessment of candidates.

One of the ESS consultants, Juan Lopez, who is also a retired superintendent, says they want the bigger picture, where the district is and where it needs to go.

"They felt very proud of the school district and others sought to come here and they feel they lost some of that and they want to recapture that and want a leader who will help them get there," said Lopez.

After ESS conducts their process, they then bring forth the qualified candidates to the school board to choose from.

"I think Calexico is looking for a person who is strong, has a clear vision and knows how to build relationships with kids in community and staff on day one," Lopez said.

ESS recommends who they believe is the best fit but it is ultimately up to the school board. The board is elected to select the leader of the district.

"If we pick the right leader, Calexico will grow and improve and return to their status in their community that they so badly want," Lopez said.

Lopez says there are many challenges but the biggest concern is the success of the children.

"That challenge never goes away. In the best of years and the worst of years, you have to take what resources you have and use them to enhance the lives of children," Lopez said.

Calexico High School English teacher and Associated Calexico Teachers (ACT) President, Xavier Rodriguez, hopes the superintendent chosen can fix issues promptly.

"To have someone that can adequately look at things like budget, but can also look at what's best for it employees and its students," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez says he hopes it's someone who is willing to put in the work and not just say they are.

"Actually invite these vested parties in and use their feedback in order to build whatever vision they have for this community and school district," said Rodriguez.

If interested in applying, you can go to http://edjoin.org to find the CUSD superintendent application.

There is also an online survey that community members can fill out at http://www.cusdk12.org where they can input their thoughts and ideas about the skills, experiences and abilities of the next superintendent.

The application window will close on April 18th and the chosen candidate will be announced at the last board meeting on May 26th.