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Hacienda la Puente Unified narrows superintendent search after 576 community responses; interviews set for November
Summary
Consultants told the board 32 applications were received and a short list will be presented Oct. 14; stakeholder input from 576 respondents highlighted strengths such as program variety and staff dedication and concerns including declining enrollment, fiscal pressure, special‑education gaps and governance trust issues.
Nicole Anderson of McPherson & Jacobson updated the Hacienda la Puente Unified School District board on the superintendent search and stakeholder input, saying 32 applications closed Sept. 18 and the consultants will present a short list Oct. 14 before board interviews Nov. 14–15.
The consultant outlined the timeline and selection steps the firm will use: an initial vetting and reference checks produced a slate of candidates that will be narrowed to about 10 on Oct. 14; the board will select finalists to interview in November and act on the hire at the Dec. 11 meeting, with the chosen superintendent to begin Jan. 1.
Anderson and colleague Bill Spalding summarized the stakeholder input report, which compiled 576 responses (about 4% of the district’s student population). The executive summary identified repeatedly cited strengths — community pride and multigenerational ties, program breadth including dual immersion, CTE and adult education, and staff dedication — and themes of concern such as declining enrollment, budget pressures, facility maintenance and position‑control problems.
On special education, the consultants reported parents asked for stronger advocacy, more consistent inclusion practices and better‑trained staff. Governance and trust also surfaced repeatedly: respondents cited conflicting narratives about the district and asked for a leader who can restore clarity and norms around roles and decision‑making.
Community expectations for the next superintendent centered on: strong instructional leadership; fiscal and strategic acumen; the ability to rebuild trust and board/staff relations; visible and approachable engagement with schools; and clear communication to reshape the public narrative and help stem enrollment decline.
Anderson said the full 140‑page stakeholder report will be posted on the district website and available in print; it includes raw responses and redacted comments where necessary for privacy. She also noted an agenda item next meeting to consider a short addendum to the search contract to cover potential advertising cost increases.
Next steps: the board’s special meeting on Oct. 14 will review applications and produce a finalist list for November interviews, followed by board action in December.
