Culver City Observer -

The CCUSD Board of Education will meet next Tuesday, May 4, to choose an executive search firm that will find a replacement for the retiring Supt. Leslie Lockhart.

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.

According to Board President Tashon McKeithan, the Board has invited executive search firms to submit proposals for services by 5 p.m. on April 30.

In a closed session meeting next Monday, May 3, the Board will review all of the proposals and select up to five firms to give a 20-minute presentation to the public. These presentations will take place at 5 p.m. May 4, during a special Board meeting, she said.

After the presentation, CCUSD union leaders and the public will be invited to make comments. "At the close of public comment," McKeithan said, "we will take a poll so the community can let us know which of the search firms they prefer. The Board will then recess to closed session. At that time, we will take no further actions regarding the superintendent search."

The Board will vote to contract with a search firm during open session at its May 11 meeting, she added.

McKeithan also announced that the Board has also accepted the resignations of two other administrators at the district. Jennifer Slabbinck, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, and Dr. Lisa Michel, Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning, have given their notices, the president said.

"As always, the community can continue to expect transparency and communication throughout this process," said McKeithan, "and with your help, we will succeed in our goal of finding the best possible leader for our District."