Search Continues for New School Superintendent

Manhattan Beach School District Superintendent Dr. Beverly Rohrer will retire at the end of June, leaving a legacy in local education spanning more than 50 years.

The school board is now faced with the task of finding Rohrer's replacement. Heading one of the state's best-performing districts has proved to be an inviting opportunity, with the position eliciting a nationwide response.

"We got 40-plus candidates that applied from around the country, not just California," board member Bill Fournell said.

The applicants were screened and the pool narrowed down to a handful, who were then invited to participate in further reviews.

"We are interviewing the shortlisted candidates, and we'll go through a process with those to hopefully find the final candidate," Fournell said. "Obviously we have to find someone before Bev leaves."

Rohrer was the first woman to head the Redondo Beach Unified School District when she was appointed back in 1990. Rohrer served for five years before retiring. But when Manhattan Beach found itself in need of a new superintendent, board members asked Rohrer to step up. Now, finally, Rohrer will be able to proceed with her plans.

"They're still interviewing and going through the process," said Rohrer of the search for her replacement. "I'm really not that involved."

When the appointment will be made has not been determined.

"It should be soon, assuming that we find the right person," Fournell said. "So far, with the candidates, it looks like we'll find something. We're hopeful but you never know. Even after you do the interviews you still have to negotiate an agreement. It's never really a done deal until everybody's accepted."