Superintendent Search

On January 17, 2024, Superintendent Christopher Downing announced his retirement from Anaheim Elementary School District. AESD is conducting a search process to hire a superintendent.  

Community Input

The Board of Education is seeking input from its education partners as it searches for the District’s next Superintendent. This survey will help the Board assess your interests surrounding the experiences, leadership qualities, and personal attributes you believe the incoming Superintendent should possess.

Community Forum

Your voice is vitally important as candidates are recruited and vetted for this process.

The Anaheim Elementary School District Board of Education has retained Dr. Suzette Lovely and Dr. Joseph Farley from Education Support Services (ESS) to facilitate the search for AESD’s next Superintendent.

LocationAESD District Office Training Rooms
1001 S. East Street, Anaheim, CA 92805
DateMonday, April 8, 2024
Time5:00 – 6:00 PM

Childcare & interpretation will be provided.

Timeline

The Governing Board of the Anaheim Elementary School District has engaged the services of Education Support Services (ESS) advisers Dr. Suzette Lovely and Dr. Joseph Farley to conduct the search for the District’s next superintendent. Below is an overview of the process, timelines, and activities that will occur over the next few months:

For additional information about the search process, please contact ESS advisors:

Dr. Joseph Farleyjoefarley@outlook.com
Dr. Suzette Lovelyslovely@aalrr.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the search process work?

The Board is working with Education Support Services (ESS) Group to conduct a comprehensive search for the District’s next Superintendent. The search advisers will gather input from AESD’s education partners to assist the Board in screening applications, interviewing qualified candidates, and ultimately selecting the new Superintendent.

When will the new Superintendent be hired?

The new Superintendent will begin their assignment on July 1, 2024, following the retirement of Dr. Downing. A timeline reflecting the different phases and activities surrounding the search can be found on the District’s website.

How can employees, parents and other education partners weigh-in?

During the Engagement Phase, the search team will solicit input from staff, administrators, parents, students, and members of the community around the desired qualifications and characteristics of the new Superintendent. Input will be gathered via focus group sessions, virtual interviews, a community forum, and online survey. This partner involvement provides the Board a pathway to hiring a superintendent reflective of community values and needs.

When will the collected input be shared with the public?

All input collected during the Engagement Phase of the search will be compiled, synthesized, and incorporated into a Hiring Report which will be presented to the Board on April 17, 2024, posted on the AESD website, and made available to the public. Candidates will be recruited, screened, and interviewed based upon the qualities and desires highlighted in the report.

Who will make the final selection of AESD’s next Superintendent?

The hiring responsibility of a new Superintendent is reserved to local school boards. While the Board will seek, receive, and consider input from its education partners, interviews and the final selection of AESD’s next Superintendent will be undertaken solely by the Board.

Can we find out who is applying?

The Board has engaged in a confidential search to select its next leader. As such, all application materials, including the names of applicants and any other personally identifiable information, are restricted from disclosure. Confidentiality is the item of highest priority to candidates who are highly successful and well-regarded in their current positions.

How can staff and members of the public follow this process?

Updates regarding the Superintendent search will be posted on the District’s website. The Board will also provide updates in its weekly family and staff letters.

Superintendent Search Was Last Modified: March 27, 2024