OPHS puts principal search on hold

Oak Park Unified School District has discontinued its search for a new principal for Oak Park High School.

Former principal Lynn McCormack will serve as interim principal for the 2009-10 school year. The search for a permanent administrator will resume in January, said Superintendent Tony Knight.

"OPHS is an amazing school with terrific teachers, support staff, parents and students. Finding the right principal is no easy task," Knight said.

McCormack replaces Andi Mallen, who resigned after one year to pursue other interests.

A search committee of parents, teachers, counselors, administrators and staff interviewed five candidates between April and June. A total of 10 applications were received. Knight described the process as "exhaustive," involving lengthy interviews and background checks.

"The most important thing is to find the person who is the right 'fit' to lead the school on its journey of excellence and continuous improvement," Knight said.

Part of the challenge in finding a new principal is a "major shortage" of school administrators due to many retirements and fewer people willing to undergo the years of education needed to obtain the required California administrative services credential, according to Knight. Candidates must first be a teacher or counselor to earn the credential, Knight said.

"Also, I believe that people are not excited about pursuing a career in school administration due to the major problems with budgets and other issues that we face in California," Knight said.

In a new principal the district seeks someone who is focused on student achievement and well-being, who works well with teachers and who can create a shared leadership atmosphere, Knight said shortly after Mallen resigned in March. Oak Park High School is the district's flagship school and one of the state's topperforming high schools, Knight said.

McCormack retired in June 2008 after leading Oak Park High for four years. She was replaced by Mallen. McCormack will not begin work until Sept. 14 because of prior commitments. District administration will support the assistant principals and counselors to ensure that the first days of the school year run smoothly, Knight said. School begins on Wed. Sept. 2.

"As much as we wanted to find our principal, that was not possible, so we are very glad that Lynn agreed to return for one year," Knight said. "Lynn knows the school well and led it beautifully."