CCUSD begins outreach efforts for superintendent search
This is the first part of a months-long process to find a replacement for Dr. Brian Lucas, who recently announced his retirement at the end of the current academic year on June 13.
As part of its efforts to find a new superintendent following Dr. Brian Lucas's sudden retirement announcement, the Culver City Unified School District Board of Education released a survey Wednesday allowing residents to give input in the search.
The District is seeking input from all members of the Culver City community, not just those in the CCUSD community, in its search for Lucas' replacement. Responses will be categorized based on their role in the community and District, and the survey will remain open until Monday, May 12.
Lucas announced he will be retiring at the end of the 2024-25 academic year in a letter sent to the CCUSD community on April 18. Lucas cited the sudden death of a family member and the need to return to his family in Florida as the impetus for the decision.
The Board of Education's questions to the community go beyond preferences related to the new Superintendent. The survey aims to gauge people's feelings about the District's condition, performance, and the characteristics that define it most.
"This is a crucial step in our commitment to bring the community into the fold and shape a future that reflects all of us," a letter from Board of Education President Triston Ezidore said of the survey.
Survey respondents were also asked to rank several priorities for candidates' experience and leadership qualities against each other. These include experience with bilingual and diverse communities, experience in school district financial oversight, and "a proven track record of growing academic achievement for all students, including special needs children, second language learners, and children experiencing poverty."
CCUSD has partnered with Leadership Associates to search for this new Superintendent. The firm worked with the District during the 2023 Superintendent Search that brought Lucas to Culver City, and a firm timeline has already been established for this search.
While the survey opened Wednesday, Leadership Associates began accepting requests for applications for the position on Monday. According to Leadership Associates ' website, the application period closes on June 2, with interviews scheduled for June 14.
In addition to this survey, representatives from Leadership Associates will meet with community members this month to gauge the qualities they seek in the next District Superintendent.
A candidate will be selected in mid-June before the new Superintendent signs a contract with the District on June 24. Lucas' replacement is expected to start July 1, but that date could change if the District and candidate agree on a different start date.
Click here to access the survey.
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