By Traci Newell

Fischer

The search for a new superintendent for the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District narrowed this month to three candidates.

The MV-LAUHSD Board of Trustees met with the applicants for the superintendent’s position April 8 and 9. Early on Saturday, they conducted a one-hour interview with each of the potential superintendents based on scripted questions. After evaluating the results, the board will recall the candidate of their choice.

“We’re hopeful to make the announcement on the 24th at our board meeting,” Board President Julia Rosenberg said.

The new superintendent will replace Rich Fischer, the district’s superintendent for 10 years and Los Altan of the Year in 2004.

“If we could just clone Rich Fischer that would be perfect,” Rosenberg said. “He is wonderfully creative, mentors the staff, is a caring individual and has a great sense of humor.”

Rosenberg also noted Fischer’s philosophy: Students are always first.

“That is what we are looking for,” she said. “That student focus is so important.”

Fischer announced in November that he would retire at the conclusion of the 2005-2006 school year.

In January, the district hired Leadership Associates, the same firm that connected Fischer with the district, to conduct the superintendent search. Jake Abbott, who helped place Fischer, and Jim Brown, a former Palo Alto superintendent, spearheaded the current project.

In February, the district and the consultants sought input from students, staff and the community to help develop a profile for the position.

The consultants screened applications and matched the potential superintendents with the desired qualifications. They recommended the three candidates interviewed last weekend.

Once selected, the new superintendent will begin his or her duties in the early summer.

Rosenberg said the district has a history of retaining superintendents for several years and she hopes the new superintendent will be around for years as well.