OCEANSIDE — While students took a summer recess, Oceanside Unified School District staff was busy hiring four key district and high school administrators. Mid-July they continue the task of hiring one more district administrator before the school year begins.
“We have a lot happening behind the scenes,” Cheri Sanders, new associate superintendent of human resources, said.
Shortly after Dr. Duane Coleman began his first day on the job as district superintendent on July 1, Dr. Kenneth “Chris” Hurst was hired as associate superintendent of
educational services, and Sanders accepted the position of associate superintendent of human resources.
Hurst and Sanders are administration hires from within the district.
Hurst previously served as principal of Oceanside High School.
He has a 16-year career as an educator, which includes serving as principal of Jefferson Middle School and assistant principal of El Camino High School for Oceanside Unified School District.
He also worked as a principal for San Diego Unified School District and attendance coordinator and high school math teacher for Poway Unified School District.
Sanders has worked in education for 30 years. She formerly served as director of student services and director of human resources for San Diego Unified School District.
The search is still on for a district associate superintendent of business.
Dr. Luis Ibarra, who formerly held the position, resigned July 4, and the search process for his replacement is underway.
The application process for the position closed July 21, and the district will screen applicants and hold interviews in the following weeks.
The position
is expected to be filled by August.
New principals for Oceanside High School and El Camino High School have also been hired.
Sanders said the district was not yet ready to release the names of the principals as of July 24.
“We hired a new principal for El Camino High School and the board approval for Oceanside High School principal is this morning,” Sanders said.
“They’re two great people.”
The Board of Education closed-session minutes for July 15 and July 24 confirm the appointment of a high school principal is listed on meeting agendas.
The school year will begin with six new administrators.
“We’re in position to have a very exciting school year,” Sanders said.
Sanders said Coleman would share his vision for the district with the community when the school year begins Aug. 18.
Administrators will meet with Coleman for an on-site retreat Aug. 1 and get a heads up on the direction the district is headed.
