Consultants for the Walnut Valley Unified School District want public input regarding the search for a new superintendent.
The district is planning two open forums Thursday billed as "Stakeholder Input Day." The meetings are to let the community ask questions about the search and provide suggestions, according to officials.
Superintendent Dean Conklin, 57, announced in December that he plans to retire in June.
The 33-year educator took the helm of Walnut Valley Unified in January 2011. He returned to Walnut after five years as superintendent of Duarte Unified School District. His base salary is $215,000, which does not include a stipend, car allowance, and other benefits.
Before moving to Duarte, Conklin spent 12 years in Walnut, where he served as an assistant superintendent.
“When I came to Walnut Valley as a superintendent, I committed that I would stay here until my retirement from public service,” he said. “I am proud of what I accomplished in my career, especially my 15 years in Walnut Valley.”
On Feb. 20, the Board of Trustees voted to approve a $24,000 agreement with Leadership Associates to conduct the search.
The two 30-minute open forums are at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Thursday in the board room of the Walnut Valley School District Education Center, 880 S. Lemon Ave. To reach the district, call 909-595-1261, ext. 31315.
Community members unable to attend the forums may send their input by fax to 760-771-4277 or by email to lhunt@leadershipassociates.org. To speak to someone by phone, call advisors Gwen Gross or Michael Escalante at 760-771-4277. Specify that the information provided is regarding the Walnut Valley Unified School District's Superintendent search.
