Atascadero school district continues search for new superintendent
Board continues to aim for a new superintendent to begin on July 1
– Atascadero Unified School District is continuing its search for a new superintendent after a decision made during a regular board of trustees meeting on March 18. The decision follows feedback from the community, which raised concerns about the transparency and legitimacy of the process.
“The board wants to ensure the community understands we are not reopening or starting a new search,” said Thomas Butler, superintendent of Atascadero Unified. “The board did a robust search and had highly qualified applicants out of a pool of twenty-five.”
The board engaged Leadership Associates, a California-based school administrator recruitment firm, to oversee the search process. A webpage detailing the search process is available on the district’s website at www.atasusd.org/District/Department/70-Superintendent-Search-Updates.
The timeline for the search began in September 2024, when the district received proposals from search firms. In October, search organizations presented their proposals to the board. A public meeting was held on November 19 to gather input from the community on the skills and qualities desired in a new superintendent. An online survey was created by the search consultants in December, resulting in over 700 pages of public feedback.
The search process continued into December and January, when potential candidates were identified and recruitment materials were published. The application period closed on January 17, 2025, with 25 applicants. After background checks were completed, the board reviewed applications and conducted interviews in February. Two finalists were selected from six interviewees.
The board continues to aim for a new superintendent to begin on July 1. However, based on public feedback, the board is now expected to announce its decision in April.
Leadership Associates held more than 15 in-person meetings and received 748 unduplicated responses from the community through the online survey. The board has stated that it is committed to keeping the community’s input in mind during the selection process and will offer a presentation regarding the search at a future meeting.
Because of confidentiality, the district cannot release the names of applicants. “We must protect the confidentiality of all applicants,” said Butler. “This is industry standard to maintain privacy, as many candidates are currently employed elsewhere, and public disclosure could jeopardize their current employment.”
The board emphasized that the search followed industry best practices and board policy, and that their goal remains to find the best possible candidate.
“The selection of the superintendent is a serious and important decision, and the board takes its responsibility very seriously,” said Acting President Denise McGrew-Kane. “We know how critical this choice is for the community, and we want to get it right.”
The board also expressed gratitude for the community’s involvement and participation in the process, recognizing the importance of maintaining Atascadero Unified’s strong connection with its community and staff.
“The board is committed to ensuring a smooth transition period between Superintendent Butler and the next leader of Atascadero Unified,” McGrew-Kane said. “We hope to build trust, encourage collaboration, and grow from a strong, stable foundation in Atascadero Unified.”
McGrew-Kane concluded by acknowledging the challenges of the search process but reiterated the board’s dedication to working together with the community in support of the next superintendent.
For additional updates, the Atascadero Unified School District encourages the community to continue participating in the process as the board moves forward.
