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Community raises cost concerns over five‑month overlap for Azusa Unified superintendent transition
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Summary
Speakers at the April 22 special board meeting warned that a planned five‑month overlap between the outgoing and incoming superintendent could cost an estimated $130,000–$150,000 and urged the board to consider alternative funding or assigning the outgoing superintendent to a targeted role.
Community members urged the Azusa Unified School District board on April 22 to reconsider how it will staff the transition between the current superintendent and the incoming leader, warning that a planned five‑month overlap could be expensive.
Meg Savala, speaking during public comment, said stakeholders value an overlap to help the new superintendent learn district culture but said the projected five‑month overlap will be “somewhere between probably 130 and $150,000” in salary, benefits and statutory costs if paid from the general fund. She said that total is a substantial one‑time cost and urged the board to "think outside the box" about funding, suggesting Fund 17 as an alternative.
Savala said she understands the rationale for overlap—to let the incoming superintendent "hit the ground running"—but asked that the board justify using general‑fund dollars for a short, one‑time overlap at a time when other budget needs are being discussed.
Brody O'Brien, who said he was not representing the union, told the board he sees outgoing superintendent Ortega as an asset but suggested the district consider a different role for him—such as a targeted special assignment or an emeritus position—rather than a full overlapping superintendent role. O'Brien said that approach could preserve Ortega’s institutional knowledge while avoiding actions that might "kneecap the next person." He argued the district could use Ortega in a narrower capacity where his curriculum and educational‑services expertise adds value.
After public comment the chair introduced agenda item 4.1 (public employee appointment) and cited Government Code section 54957; the board announced it would move into closed session to discuss the personnel matter.
No board vote on superintendent appointment or funding was recorded in the public portion of the meeting; the board proceeded to closed session on the personnel item.
