Poway Unified School District’s new superintendent is Ben Churchill, who for eight years has been superintendent of the Carlsbad Unified School District, trustees announced Thursday night.
School board President Michelle O’Connor-Ratcliff said the district placed a “huge priority” on community input when making the selection from among a field of “exceptional candidates.”
“I want to thank everyone for their valuable contributions,” O’Connor-Ratcliff said, pointing to the community meetings and more than 1,100 survey responses that showed stakeholders were looking for a leader with a “high degree of integrity, a bridge builder and someone who could offer service to all.”
The trustees voted unanimously in closed session to hire Churchill to replace Marian Kim Phelps. The former superintendent was fired in April after findings that she had inappropriately interfered with a school investigation into a student accused of bullying her daughter, district officials said.
Phelps’ daughter, Jessica, was formerly a player for the Del Norte High School softball program. Coaches and parents had alleged Phelps had harassed softball players because they did not clap loudly enough for Jessica at a banquet last year. Phelps has denied those claims.
Churchill said he is excited to become part of the Poway Unified team starting Dec. 2.
“This is an opportunity to join a world-class organization,” he said, speaking to the school board in front of a packed audience. “Poway Unified School District is well-positioned to build on its reputation as a national model for achievement.”
Churchill previously worked in Illinois, serving as chief academic officer for the sixth largest school district in the state. He also served as an assistant superintendent, high school principal and high school teacher. He began his 28-year career in education teaching Englishin China at the elementary, secondary and university levels.
After the announcement, Churchill said his top priority will be building relationships and trust.
“I will be present, visible and accessible,” he said at a news conference. “I hope to meet as many people as I can to learn about the community and to work hand-in-hand with them.”
Churchill said he plans to continue working in Carlsbad until Dec. 1. Starting the following day, one of his goals will be visiting all of the Poway Unified school sites within the first few months on the job, he said.
“I’m aware of the facilities issues and the need for additional facilities funding,” he said. “I am able to bring a different lens and I can continue to look at things in a new way, hopefully.”
Greg Mizel, the district’s associate superintendent of Student Support Services, will continue in the interim superintendent role until Churchill comes aboard.
After a national search by McPherson & Jacobson, a superintendent search firm, trustees interviewed the final superintendent candidates from an original pool of 46 applicants at a special closed meeting on Sept. 21, where Churchill emerged as the finalist.
The district’s search for a new superintendent began June 4 when trustees hired McPherson & Jacobson. Trustees provided input and direction to the search firm on June 13.
Throughout July and August, the public had the opportunity to participate in a survey that asked several questions about what is good about the district and community, what qualities, skills and characteristics are important in a new leader, and what opportunities for improvement and significant challenges are facing Poway Unified.
O’Connor-Ratcliff said the respondents indicated they sought a leader who would maintain ethical standards, demonstrate honesty, integrity and professionalism, and who is adept at making decisions related to the school district’s budget.
The search process also included meetings between McPherson & Jacobson consultants and community groups in August. The meetings were held with stakeholders who included employees, parents and community members.
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