DEL MAR — The Del Mar Union School District will be selecting a candidate this month to fill the shoes of Superintendent Holly McClurg, as she prepares to retire after 13 years in the district’s top role.
McClurg announced her retirement plans in March. Last month, the district initiated outreach to staff and families regarding their priorities for the next superintendent, with the assistance of consultant Educational Support Services.
This community feedback has been used to form a leadership profile that the district Board of Trustees will reference when selecting the next superintendent. The application for the superintendent role closed May 30, with the board set to begin interviewing candidates in mid-June and announce a chosen candidate toward the end of the month.
At the board’s May 28 meeting, ESS Consultant Suzette Lovely said she was impressed by the turnout of community members giving feedback on the superintendent process. She said DMUSD is a highly regarded district with a very engaged community and impressive programs, which is a draw for not only families but also superintendent candidates.
“There are really good, qualified candidates that are seeking this opportunity,” Lovely said.
Speaking through in-person meetings and online surveys, respondents identified the top five most important leadership qualities for the new superintendent. Creating an atmosphere of trust was listed at number one.
Other prioritized qualities are being knowledgeable about current teaching and learning practices, being a forward thinker and open to new ideas, showing empathy toward diverse groups of education partners, and developing a shared understanding of district goals and priorities.
The leadership profile report also shared district strengths identified by the community that they would like to see continue to grow, namely the robust and innovative programs offered, such as STEAM+, Spanish immersion, and smaller class sizes.
Community members also identified the modern and inviting facilities, human-centered work culture, and strong parent and community support as strengths of DMUSD.
“It definitely is a destination district — people don’t just move here by accident. They move here by choice, and they’re very selective about moving here,” Lovely said.
Lovely also shared areas where community members identified opportunities for improvement under a new superintendent, including special education and community communication.
Over the past few years, several special education families have spoken out about concerns regarding a lack of resources for children and inadequate collaboration from leadership. The district has also been accused of unlawful treatment of special education students.
“People are hoping to see some opportunities to revisit some of the programs and things that are occurring,” Lovely said.
When it comes to community engagement, respondents noted that the “what” and the “why” behind the administration’s decisions are not always made clear, which can lead to frustration and a lack of trust.
Board members thanked ESS for their thorough community engagement process and for getting as much input as possible.
“That’s what we’re here for — making sure we’re selecting the best candidates that’s out there,” said Trustee Katherine Fitzpatrick.
Earlier in the meeting, the district honored the teachers and classified employees of the year, as well as those who are retiring, including McClurg. While her last board meeting will be on June 18, McClurg still shared words of thanks with everyone in the district, looking back on her 16 years of involvement with the district.
“To now look back 16 years later, I will tell you that the school experience looks very different now, and it should. The world is different. If we look back 16 years ago, so much of what’s in place now wasn’t here at all. So I am so grateful to work with people who take on doing what’s right and take on transforming education just like our kids need us to,” McClurg said.
