The Stockton Unified School District, serving nearly 40,000 students in San Joaquin County, has seen its fair share of superintendent turnover.
The district is now embarking on its 14th superintendent search in just 17 years. To conduct the search, the district has enlisted the help of executive recruiting firm McPherson & Jacobson, LLC.
The search is expected to take a minimum of two to three months, and the community will have at least two opportunities to engage with the process. McPherson & Jacobson presented their approach to the board and were selected over three other firms, including Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, BWP & Associates, and Leadership Associates.
McPherson & Jacobson's total cost for the search will not exceed $43,900.
The need for a new superintendent comes in the wake of a 2021 report by the San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury, which identified a "revolving door" of superintendents at the district as a direct consequence of dysfunction on the school board. The report blamed trustee behavior and actions for negatively affecting the district and making it "difficult, if not impossible," for any lasting, positive changes to take hold.
Dr. Traci Miller, a 25-year veteran of the district and founding principal at Health Careers Academy, has been serving as interim superintendent since August. She has expressed interest in the permanent role and stated that she is honored to serve in the interim position.
The school board's selection of McPherson & Jacobson is a positive step forward in the search for a new superintendent. The community will have multiple opportunities to engage with the search process, which is important given the district's history of dysfunction and instability. It is also encouraging to see that the board is taking steps to address the issues highlighted in the 2021 grand jury report.
Finding the right superintendent will be critical to the success of the Stockton Unified School District. The district serves a large and diverse population of students, many of whom face significant challenges. A strong leader who can bring stability and a clear vision for the district's future will be essential in ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
In the coming months, our community will undoubtedly be watching closely as the search for the district's next superintendent unfolds. For more on this story visit the Stockton Record.
