Superintendent Search Process

ALEJANDRO (ALEX) FLORES NAMED AS

ROWLAND UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT’S NEXT SUPERINTENDENT

ROWLAND HEIGHTS, CA – MARCH 21, 2024 – The Rowland Unified School District Board of Education is pleased to announce that Mr. Alejandro (Alex) Flores has emerged as the top candidate to serve as the next Superintendent of the Rowland Unified School District following an extensive community engagement and interview process. Mr. Flores will be formally appointed at the April 11, 2024 Board Meeting, pending final contract negotiations, which are currently underway.

Mr. Flores has successfully served the students, staff, and families of the Rowland Unified community for the past nine years as Deputy/Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services. In this role, he has overseen several departments and services to ensure every learner has access to a high-quality education in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. Mr. Flores’ prior experiences as a classroom teacher, principal, and human resources leader have equipped him with a keen understanding of the intricacies of education and the positive influence teachers, support staff and administrators have in the lives of children.

"Mr. Flores’ experience across multiple disciplines, along with his strong ties to our community, make him the logical choice to serve as the next superintendent. He has a deep pulse on the needs and desires of RUSD students, staff, and families and shares our vision of innovative learning for all,” said David Malkin, President of the Rowland Unified School District Board of Education.

Mr. Flores holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Azusa Pacific University, a bachelor’s degree in social science from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and is fluent in Spanish.

Looking ahead to his July 1, 2024 start date, Flores shared, “I am honored and humbled to be selected as the next Superintendent of this outstanding school district. I look forward to expanding my relationships with our education partners to create a roadmap for the future anchored in RUSD’s Guiding Principles and Promise to Students.”

As part of the District’s succession plan, Mr. Flores and retiring Superintendent Dr. Julie Mitchell, will work hand-in-hand through the end of the school year to ensure a seamless transition for all involved.

JANUARY 31, 2024 COMMUNICATION UPDATE:

A Special Board of Education Meeting has been scheduled for Monday, February 5, 2024 at 5:30 PM where recruitment firms that specialize in the Superintendent search process will present to the Board. The Board Meeting will be in-person and held virtually.

Click here to view the Special Board of Education Meeting Agenda for February 5, 2024.

JANUARY 19, 2024 COMMUNICATION:

Before the Winter Break, Rowland Unified Superintendent Dr. Julie Mitchell announced her retirement that will be effective at the end of the 2023-2024 school year, on June 30, 2024.

At the January 18, 2024 Board of Education Meeting, the Board discussed the initial phase in the process of selecting the next Superintendent.

Next steps: At the January 18, 2024 Board of Education Meeting the Board took action to contact seven firms that specialize in the Superintendent search process:

· The Cosca Group

· Dave Long and Associates

· Educational Support Services Group (ESS)

· Hazard, Young and Attea

· Leadership Associates

· McPherson and Jacobson, LLC

· Ray and Associates

Each firm will be invited to submit a proposal on or before January 31, 2024 that would include conducting employee and community engagement services to develop a leadership profile with the qualities and characteristics desired by the RUSD community in the next Superintendent. Firms would also include information about a second phase of the process, if needed, for a broader recruitment. A Special Board Meeting, tentatively scheduled for February 5, 2024, will be held where those who submit a proposal will present and be interviewed by the Board.