CCUSD Supt. says he did not make decision lightly” to resign

Reaction to the surprising Feb. 23 announcement that Culver City Unified School District Supt.  David LaRose will leave the school district in June was met with overwhelming glowing remarks about his nearly four year tenure leading the school district.

In a statement posted on the school’s website, LaRose said he plans to officially resign on June 30 and did not “make the decision lightly.

“However, I am confident that the time is right for me – both personally and professionally– to take a thoughtful and intentional break from the work I have always believed I was called to do. To be clear, this is not a typical strategic career decision driven by a new offer or position; rather, this is simply a personal, hopeful and uncertain leap of faith,” he wrote.

CCUSD Board Vice President Katherine Paspalis said LaRose’s announcement came as a surprise to her.

Like many of her colleagues, she praised the superintendent as a leader who has put the school district on a good path for success. “There are a lot of people in education, whether it’s in administration or other areas who always say ‘It’s all about the kids.’ Dave walked the walk.  He really did care about kids,” Paspalis said.

Echoing Paspalis, former board member Laura Chardiet remembered LaRose as an administrator who put the needs of the students first. “He was constantly at school sites and not always in his office as some administrators are. Dave is someone who has a heart for children,” said Chardiet, who stepped down from the board in November. “We were blessed to have him for four years.”

In his statement, LaRose, who could not be reached for comment, thanked the school community for working with him during his tenure as superintendent.

“I consider myself fortunate to have been a part of such a collaborative and child-centered community. I am deeply committed to continuing our work in the coming months, with great intentionality for sustaining the focus and enthusiasm that currently fuels our district.

“As noted, this is a very personal decision and I consider myself blessed. It has truly been an honor to serve the Culver City community. CCUSD is a special place for many reasons – and the level of community support for our students and staff is unrivaled.”

Culver City Federation of Teachers President David Mielke said LaRose visited him at Culver City High School to introduce himself after he was hired. For Mielke, that was the first indication that relations between LaRose and the teachers union would be very different than past administrations.

“He’s the real deal,” Mielke said of LaRose. “It couldn’t have been more different [than his initial dealings with prior superintendents]. He jumped in with both feet and while I’m sad to see him go I’m very happy that he is going to get the chance to pursue some new challenges.”

Board member Kelly Kent, who was elected in November, is saddened that she didn’t get much of an opportunity to work very long with LaRose but also wishes him the best. “It’s a huge loss for the district. We’re fortunate that he left us with a very clear path to follow and to keep momentum and progress,” said Kent.

Mielke said he and LaRose are featured in a book called “The Courage to Collaborate” by school turnaround expert Ken Futernick. The book is a testament to cooperation between teachers unions and school district administrations and Mielke said it describes almost to a tee how he and LaRose worked together. “When you have a shared goal as we did, you just monitor the progress towards that goal. The labor-management partnership relationship changed dramatically with Dave and I’m going to miss him both professionally and personally,” the Culver City labor leader said.

Chardiet, a former teacher, noted that American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten singled Culver City out two years ago for its management-labor partnership. “He was very fair and he really helped create a positive working relationship with all parties,” she said.

Kent said she hopes the next superintendent will continue in the same spirit of cooperation that LaRose has with the district’s teachers.

Among other things, Paspalis said she will be looking for “someone who will fit into what we’re doing and continue on the course that we’re on now.”

Gary Walker contributed to this story.