LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Konocti Unified School District has selected a new superintendent.
During a brief special meeting held at the district office on Wednesday evening, Board of Trustees President Sue Burton announced that Dr. Rebecca Salato has been chosen to head the district.
Salato’s contract will be confirmed at the board’s regular meeting on May 1. Burton said Salato – who was not in attendance on Wednesday – will be present at that meeting for the contract approval, and is excited to meet everyone.
Salato will succeed Superintendent Donna Becnel, who retires as of June 30. Burton said Salato will begin her tenure on July 1.
Burton said Salato is the chief operating officer of Action Learning Systems, and in that role she has led district assistance intervention teams, supported multiple districts in evaluating politics and practices, and has coached superintendents, principals and teachers.
“Her focus is to strengthen capacity to improve student learning through continuous improvement and innovation by leading professional development, analyzing data and coaching,” Burton said.
Salato holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history, a master’s degree in special education and a doctorate from Pepperdine University in educational leadership.
She has 22 years of experience in K-12 education as a teacher, principal and district office investigator.
As director of instructional support services with the Beaumont Unified School District, she had oversight of curriculum and instruction, and student services – including child welfare and attendance, school attendance review boards, suspensions and expulsions, special education and English Learner services.
Salato also has experience in bond elections and designing, planning and opening a new elementary school.
Last year, Salato – who grew up in Upstate New York – was a finalist for the superintendent’s job in Billings, Montana.
In January, following Becnel’s announcement of her retirement, the board hired Education Leadership Solutions LLC – led by Wally Holbrook, a retired Lake County superintendent of schools, and Dr. Richard Smith, also a retired school superintendent – to lead the recruitment. It was the firm’s first superintendent search.
The job was advertised in EdCal – a publication of the Association of California School Administrators – for about two and a half weeks, with a March 22 deadline, according to the recruitment timeline.
Burton told Lake County News that 14 applications were submitted.
She said all 14 applicants were impressive. Thirteen of them came from around California – from the north to the south – with one applicant from Montana.
Those 14 applicants were narrowed to a pool of seven to be interviewed. One candidate dropped out, she said.
On April 6, the board and a 16-member community committee took turns interviewing the six candidates selected for interview, according to Burton.
Burton said that on April 7, the board interviewed two finalists, which led to Salato’s hiring.
During Wednesday’s special meeting, Burton thanked everyone who was on the community committee for their time and contributions. “Your input was valuable.”
“I second that,” said Board Clerk Mary Silva.
Burton said the community committee’s input helped the board reach its decision.
Becnel said she’s had the chance to speak with Salato – who is planning visits to district schools over the coming months – and explained there will be a transition time.
Board member Joan Mingori said that Salato told the board in an email that she is planning to visit Lake County at the end of this month to begin a home search and look at ways to become involved in the community. Mingori added that Salato sounds like she is ready to go.
Burton told Lake County News after the meeting that the superintendent hiring process was “exciting.”
She said she’s looking forward to seeing the district continue to move forward and upward under Salato’s leadership.
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Konocti Unified School District Board announces new superintendent
- Elizabeth Larson
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