Zimring named Las Virgenes superintendent
Smyser released from contract
Stephanie Bertholdo  bertholdo@theacorn.com

'I have a tremendous foundation on which to build.' --Donald Zimring

Donald Zimring became superintendent of the Las Virgenes Unified School District on Monday after the board of trustees bought out the final year of Sandra Smyser's three-year contract for $175,000.

The board met on the evening of June 27 to discuss releasing Smyser from her responsibilities at the district. Smyser was informed of the decision the following day.

"We saw the transition was coming and the board thought it was best handled in the summer rather than an uncertain date in the future," board president Terilyn Finders said.

Finders said the district was facing many changes with its staff, programs and internal structure, and also must also look at the future of its bond measure.

"The reality is the superintendent transition is best (accomplished) in summer months," Finders said. "The board made the decision to take action in what we believe is in the best interest of the district."

Career plans not a factor

Smyser had sought a superintendent's job in Boulder, Colo. in March. She cited family reasons for seeking the position. Her son had planned to settle in the area and her husband was investigating business opportunities. Although Smyser was among the final three candidates considered for the position, she didn't get the job.

Sandra Smyser

Finders denied that Smyser's application for the Colorado post influenced the board's decision to buy out her contract.

A foundation for change

Zimring brings 31 years of experience to the job. He launched his career as a social studies and journalism teacher at Lindero Canyon Middle School in 1975 and became an administrative assistant to the superintendent in 1979. In 1985, Zimring was promoted to assistant principal at A.E. Wright Middle School and became the school's principal within a year. By 1997, Zimring had moved to the district office as deputy superintendent.

"I have a tremendous foundation on which to build," he said.

The district is facing significant change, he said. Alternative education options will roll out next year, including a new elementary school and a virtual high school that would allow students to mix and match high school, college and online options to suit individual needs. New cabinet members have joined the district staff, elementary principals have been shifted to new schools, and a new principal has been hired to replace Dave Jackson at Calabasas High School.

In addition, the district just finalized a technology partnership with the cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Westlake Village and Hidden Hills that will pay for teacher training on new computers and other hardware purchased through Measure G, a bond measure targeting technology in the classroom.

The board of education will soon make a decision on whether to ask voters to renew Measure G, Zimring said.

"It's going to be a year of change and growth," Zimring said.

"Don is clearly invested and connected," Finders said. "He has the intellect and the ability to lead this district into the 21st century education that is our vision. We see him as a stable leadership force who will help the board roll out its five-year plan (for the district)," she said.

"Ultimately, the question is always this: What is right for the district and the students we serve?"