The CCUSD Board of Education this week took the first step to finding a replacement for Supt. Leslie Lockhart who announced her retirement last week.

At special meeting on Tuesday, the board discussed "the process for identifying potential search firms to conduct our new superintendent search."

On April 13, Lockhart announced that she was retiring from the district after 23 years and leaving from her post on June 30. Lockhart will serve as superintendent emeritus until Dec. 31.

In a recent statement, Board President Tashon McKeithan stated, "as we select the next leader of CCUSD, we are committed to a transparent process which includes meaningful community engagement and timely communication."

McKeithan mentioned that updates on the selection process will be posted regularly on the district's website and that a new email account – SuperintendentSearch@ccusd.org -- has been set up to receive feedback from the community. "With your help, we will succeed in our goal to find the best possible leader for our District," she added.

McKeithan thanked Lockhart for her service to the district and "leadership throughout the years, and especially over the past year through the COVID-19 pandemic."

In the coming weeks, she added, the Board and Lockhart will work together to "establish a preliminary timeline and a transition plan that maintains the momentum of our current work and honors the District's priorities."