Schools Chief Quits

In an unexpected development CCUSD Superintendent Dave LaRose informed members of the Board of Education in closed session at Tuesday night's Board meeting that he will be stepping down from his position, effective at the end of the year.

LaRose said his decision is a personal one and added that he is not leaving to take a position with another school district.

"If the next chapter of my life was to be in a leadership role for a school district, there's no place I'd rather be than here in Culver City," said LaRose, adding that the next chapter of his life may include a sabbatical, consulting or even teaching. "I'm not sure what I will be doing next, but it has truly been an honor to serve the Culver City community."

Board of Education President Steve Levin said he is sorry to see LaRose leave a district he has led for the past four years.

"Dave has been an amazing, charismatic leader for CCUSD, and we're really sorry to see him go," said Levin. "He has helped us make great strides in the right direction, and we are committed to keeping that momentum going. Dave's legacy will benefit our students for years to come."

During his time as superintendent, LaRose championed the Culver City Compact – a signed document that outlines the community's commitment and vision for a bright educational future that was adopted by a wide array of community member, businesses and organizations.

He is known for being a strong advocate for the whole child and believes that in order for every child to succeed, schools and communities must partner to ensure they are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, challenged and hopeful. This belief resulted in a number of collaborative efforts between school and community, including the integration of a Kids at Hope framework, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Summer Lunch and Fun, and the Backpacks for Kids Program. For his efforts, the Friends of the Sandy Segal Youth Health Center honored him at their 2015 gala and recognized him for his commitment to the physical, emotional and academic health of all children.

LaRose has also overseen perhaps the most ambitious facilities improvement program ever undertaken by the district. Measure CC, approved by voters in June, 2014, provided $106 million to fund major renovations and technology upgrades to CCUSD facilities. Those efforts are already underway and could take up to 12 years to complete.

Prior to coming to CCUSD in 2012 LaRose served for four years as the superintendent of the South Kitsap School District in Washington State, where he was named South Kitsap's 2012 Man of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce and received the Kitsap Scouting 2011 Service to Youth Award. In 2009, LaRose received the Washington State ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) Whole Child Award for his systemic and strategic approach to meeting the needs of all students.

Prior to his service in South Kitsap LaRose worked as a teacher and administrator in Arizona. He earned both a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Lyndon State College in Lyndonville, Vermont and a master's degree in education from Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee.

Levin added that the board will undertake an exhaustive search for a new superintendent.

"The board will begin immediately working on finding a successor, someone equally great to lead our district in the future," he said. "Of course, we wish Dave all the best on whatever road his life takes him on next."