May 28, 2015 - teaching graduate programs and mentoring future education leaders. ... Technology and Senior Director of
May 28, 2015
To: Tamalpais Union High School District Staff and Community From: Cindy McCauley, President of the Tamalpais Union High School District Board of Trustees As the focus of the District and our schools is now on the important events associated with completing the school year, we want to provide you with an update on our progress in planning for a leadership transition arising from the need to replace key administrators who are leaving the district. A Board of Trustees Ad Hoc Committee composed of Trustees, McCauley and Ford, has been meeting weekly since March with Marin County Superintendent of Schools, Mary Jane Burke, Walt Buster, Michael McDowell and attorney, Bob Henry, to ensure an orderly transition focused on the needs of students. Departing administrators include Superintendent, Dr. Laurie Kimbrel, and Associate Superintendent, Dr. Michael McDowell, both of whom will be available to consult with us on transition-related issues. In addition, Associate Superintendent of Finance and Facilities, Lori Parrish, retired on April 23, 2015. During this period, the entire Board of Trustees continues to be actively engaged in our search for a new Superintendent. It is our hope that a new leader will begin during the summer months prior to the start of school. As we await the selection and arrival of our new Superintendent, the District has formed a transition team, including: Dr. Walt Buster, Transition Team Leader, appointed by County Superintendent, Burke Walt’s experience in K-12 education spans 40 years serving seven school districts across the state in key leadership roles. He served as the Fresno USD Superintendent during a leadership transition, served as the Superintendent of Clovis USD (over 41,000 students), Cotati-Rohnert Park USD, Fairfax School District, and served as the Tamalpais Union High School District Superintendent for five years. He currently works in higher education teaching graduate programs and mentoring future education leaders. Dr. Barbara Vrankovich Barbara will be the Transition Leader with responsibility for general administration, including Human Resources. Barbara has been a high school and elementary administrator and teacher, an Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Superintendent of a K-12 district, and holds a law degree. She was a key assistant to Walt when they served together in the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District. Dr. Tara Taupier and Kim Stiffler Tara and Kim serve respectively as the District’s Senior Director of Instructional Technology and Senior Director of Curriculum and Instruction. They will support Walt and Barbara in ensuring a smooth transition, and will continue to be primarily responsible for curriculum and instruction during this transition period.
Terri Ryland The District retained Terri as the interim Chief Business Officer following the retirement of Lori Parrish. Terri is the founder of Ryland School Business Consultants. She has extensive experience in school business and finance and will continue to oversee all business and facility operations until a permanent replacement is appointed. The Board has launched a search for a new Chief Business Officer with the assistance of School Services of California, which specializes in identifying and recruiting candidates for this position. A Bright Future This transition plan will enable the District to continue to provide the highest quality services to its students and community until a permanent team is in place. With the current school year drawing to a close, the Board looks forward to exciting changes that will impact our community and the more than 4,000 students who will benefit. The Tam District will begin the new school year as a model of strong leadership and quality student programs. Questions about this plan can be directed to
[email protected] or 559-696-9872 (cell).
