The Capistrano Unified School District officially welcomes its new superintendent.
After an extensive five-month search, trustees this week announced the selection of Dr. Christopher Brown, currently the assistant superintendent for research, evaluation and school improvement in the Long Beach Unified School District. His four-year contract, approved by all seven trustees, begins July 1, according to CUSD Insider.
“He is an instructional and operational leader who was also recognized as an excellent teacher,” said board president Krista Castellanos. “He has been involved in everything from classroom instruction to building and modernizing the school.”
Long Beach is the fourth largest school district in California, serving nearly 66,000 students. Before becoming his assistant superintendent, Brown served as a high school principal, principal, middle school assistant principal, coordinator, dean, athletic trainer and science teacher. His principalship was at the California Math and Science Academy, a multi-district magnet high school at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
Brown received his BA from UC Irvine and his MA from Cal State Long Beach. He has a doctorate in educational leadership – focused on superintendent preparation – from the University of Southern California.
“I am truly humbled to be selected as the new superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District,” he said. “I look forward to partnering with the board to build on the long history of success that CUSD has enjoyed. I look forward to interacting with our students and families in the fall, as well as the teachers and staff members who support them.”
With nearly 50,000 students, Capistrano is the largest school district in Orange County, ranking ninth in California. Deputy Superintendent Clark Hampton has led CUSD since January following the departure of former Superintendent Kirsten Vital Brulte.
Focused on achievement
According to the district, Capistrano’s selection process included sessions with 320 stakeholders who participated in focus groups, individual interviews or community forums to describe their ideal candidates. A cross-section of 2,164 community members also completed an online survey.
Brown, described by his peers as an excellent administrator and teacher, emerged as the top candidate after submitting a lengthy application and participating in two structured interviews lasting more than two hours. Trustees also visited his current workplace.
“After the visit, I decided to re-read Dr. Brown’s original letters of recommendation and personal statement,” said Trustee Gila Jones. “I was very pleased to find remarkable consistency throughout, including evidence of a very organised, collaborative, humble, reflective and self-aware person with good political acumen who accepts feedback and – most importantly – is laser-focused on evidence and student achievement .”
“We learned wonderful things about Dr. Brown’s leadership through our selection processes,” said Trustee Michael Parham. “He maintains a professional and cooperative relationship with everyone in his school community.”
Brown said he wasn’t looking for a superintendent until he learned of the opening at Capo.
“I haven’t actively pursued a promotion opportunity just to move into the chief position,” he said. “The CUSD position is the only one I applied for because the stated leadership needs match my areas of strength.”