Interesting timeline associated with resignation of Placentia-Yorba Linda schools superintendent

 

An interesting timeline underlies the unexpected resignation of Jim Elsasser as superintendent of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District after just 18 months at the helm.

Elsasser will return to the Claremont Unified School District following the resignation of his successor, Jeff Wilson, who served only one year. Wilson was hired May 6, 2021, on a 4-1 vote by Claremont Unified trustees with a four-year contract to begin July 1, 2021.

Wilson announced his resignation from Claremont Unified April 1, effective June 30. Elsasser was hired at an April 21 Claremont trustee meeting, under a four-year contract to begin July 1. Elsasser announced his departure from Placentia-Yorba Linda in an April 18 statement.

Elsasser served as Claremont's superintendent nine years before he began as Placentia-Yorba Linda superintendent Jan. 4, 2021, with a three and one-half year contract. He was hired on a 5-0 vote by the district's previous board, replacing Greg Plutko, hired in 2016.

At an April 26 meeting, Placentia-Yorba Linda trustees gave Elsasser a 3.5% salary increase retroactive to July 1, 2021, and a one-time 1.5% 2021-2022 increase, the same percentages awarded other employee groups.

Elsasser's total for 2021-2022 will be $352,745. Claremont trustees set Elsasser's 2022-23 salary at $335,000 at their April 21 meeting. Salary figures do not include benefits, such as health payments, pension contributions and various allowances, such as car and cell phone.

Claremont Unified has about 6,600 students attending 11 schools, while Placentia-Yorba Unified has some 24,000 students at 34 campuses. Claremont's general fund budget totals some $85 million, and Placentia-Yorba Linda's revenues total close to $251 million this year.

Former Manhatten Beach Unified School District Superintendent Mike Matthews will start as interim chief July 1. Consultants will help develop a long-term transition plan, instead of immediately beginning a superintendent search.

“In the long run, it is our belief that this approach will help insure a smooth transition and a strong foundation for our next permanent superintendent,” board president Carrie Buck said.

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A year-long elective Multicultural Studies class has been added to the district's high school curriculum beginning with the next school year, approved by trustees May 17 on a 5-0 vote.

The course, available to juniors and seniors, will allow students “to learn about the histories, cultures and contributions of diverse groups represented in the United States and their very own communities,” according to a report by Assistant Superintendent Linda Adamson.

“The course aims to empower student voices as they see themselves, and each other, as a part of the historical narrative and their present-day community,” Adamson noted. Teachers, administrators and staff created the class, with curriculum and textbooks on public display since April 6.