Interim superintendent named for Oak Park Unified

The Oak Park Unified School District Board of Education interviewed two candidates on Fri., Feb. 14, to assume the role of interim superintendent. The board unanimously selected Dr. Kenneth L. Moffett to fill the position temporarily until a permanent superintendent has joined the district.

Moffett served as superintendent for 20 years from 1976 to 1996 in both the Lennox School District and the ABC School District. While in Lennox, he established a comprehensive reading program, initiated a process to link testing to classroom instruction, created a technology program and developed a public information effort that produced an award winning information booklet.

During his career, Moffett has served as a high school and middle school teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent of secondary education as well as superintendent in two districts mentioned above.

From 1994 to 2001, Moffett was a distinguished educator in residence at Pepperdine University’s School of Education and Psychology. He’s been on staff at Cal State University Dominguez Hills and at LaVerne College, teaching personal and educational administration courses.

Moffett has also received numerous awards, written articles for educational publications and has been a guest lecturer and featured speaker at local, state and national events.

More recently Moffett has served as interim superintendent in the Santa Paula, Beverly Hills, Palos Verdes and Simi Valley unified school districts.

He has a reputation as an outgoing, positive and approachable person, sources said, and he’s excited about working with OPUSD staff, students and parents.

The board continues to pursue their search for a permanent superintendent. They’ve enlisted the help of Leadership Associates, an executive educational search firm in Mission Viejo.

—Lori Porter