SMMUSD HDQRTS. — Schools Superintendent John Deasy is considering leaving the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District for a similar post in Prince George County, Maryland.
Deasy, 45, is one of three finalists for the chief executive officer position at the Prince George County School District, home to 133,000 students, 77 percent of which are African American.
The board of education there is seeking to replace Andre J.
Hornsby, who resigned as schools chief last year amid an ethics controversy.
The two other candidates for the position are W.L. “Tony” Sawyer, schools superintendent in Topeka, Kan., and Marcia V. Lyles, a regional superintendent for New York public schools.
A final decision is expected to be made either by the end of this week or next, according to John White, a spokesman for the Maryland school district.
“I have very mixed emotions (about being named a finalist),” said Deasy, who joined SMMUSD in 2001. “I’m in one of those positions where if I don’t get chosen, I’m thrilled because I love the job I have. If I do get chosen, I have mixed emotions about leaving a place I love and going to a place I look forward to giving my life to that has many challenges.
“The challenges are what attracted me.” Members of the school board said they would hate to see Deasy leave, but understand he is very talented and expected him to move on when the time was right.
“From the beginning, he has been very straightforward with us that this would not be his final resting place.” said Julia Brownley, school board member. “He’s very talented, young and has a great career ahead of him.”
“From the beginning, he has been very straightforward with us that this would not be his final resting place. He’s very talented, young and has a great career ahead of him.” — JULIA BROWNLEY School board member
School board member Oscar de la Torre said if the district loses Deasy, he hopes the same level of energy the superintendent brought to the district will be carried on by board members and whomever they decide to replace Deasy.
“We have taken some serious steps towards closing the achievement gap and I think that’s part of the work that needs to continue if he decides to move on,” de la Torre said. “He has some great victories under his belt and many districts are going to be lucky to have his intelligence and, really, his energy.”
Deasy flew to Maryland on Monday, at which time he met with members of the school board, district staff, union leaders, teachers and parents, all of whom wanted to get a better idea of what Deasy could bring to their district. His schedule was packed from the moment he touched down to the moment he left, White said.
“All of the candidates seemed to be highly qualified and we are all excited and intrigued to see who will be selected,” White said. “The board is looking for someone with extraordinary leadership and who has demonstrated an ability to raise student achievement and I think Dr. Deasy has proven that, especially in the work he has done with the Los Angeles Unified School District and others.
“We recognize his experience, which is very diverse.”
Deasy said he can’t comment on any part of the interview process, as part of an agreement with the district.
“The ability to spend time (with members of the community there) was wonderful,” he said.
SMMUSD, with 19 schools, is about one-tenth the size of Prince George’s system, which includes more than 190 schools, White said.
The leadership position in Prince George pays a salary of $250,000. Deasy said his current salary is $150,000.
“It’s never about the money,” said Deasy. “It’s about policy.”
Deasy said the interview is not a signal that he is unhappy about his current position. On the contrary, he is very proud of the accomplishments he has made here and has enjoyed working with staff, parents, teachers and students.
He decided to participate in the job interview after he was recruited by a “head hunting” service. He was selected as one of three finalists out of 66 total applicants.
Deasy doesn’t believe the interview will change his relationship with the school board and others in the district.
“We have always enjoyed a great working relationship with the board and they have expressed that to me, so I don’t see this affecting it at all.”
Deasy is still under contract until 2007 with SMMUSD. He received a contract extension in 2003, according to district officials.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 16, 2006. Read the original PDF.