New Superintendent Tires of Hearing About 'Politically Fractured District'

Joseph Farley is looking forward to putting the acrimony that has characterized the Capistrano Unified School District in the past half decade behind him as he focuses on improving what goes on in the classroom, he told a room of about 30 parents Tuesday night.

Farley, who started in July, is the seventh superintendent to head the district in four years. He told parents gathered at a community forum at San Juan Hills High School that he did know what he was getting into when he took the job.

He is tired of hearing the district referred to as that "high-achieving but politically fractured school district in South Orange County," he said.

His goal is to take Capo's reputation for top-notch instruction even higher.

"People say you have to have a breakdown to have a breakthrough, and we really had a breakdown last year," Farley said. "You can't sugarcoat it."

Farley was referring to a year that saw a teachers' strike in April and the recent elections, which included the recall of two school board trustees. Tuesday night's forum was one of six on Farley's "Back to the Classroom Tour."

He touched on a number of projects he hopes to spearhead. They include:

• Raising the academic performance of English learners, special education students and African-American males, three groups who score below average in the district on standardized testing 
• Finishing San Juan Hills High by building a pool and stadium, so that it will be on par with the district's other comprehensive high schools 
• Addressing maintenance and modernization needs at aging schools, such as San Juan and RH Dana elementary schools 
• Examining  homework policies 
• Strengthening the Regional Occupational Programs at the high school so that non-college-bound students can explore meaningful career options

"I have about 40 different initiatives all in different stages," Farley said.

Suzanne Devaney, a San Juan Hills mom and a teacher at Ambuehl Elementary, said she sees a lot of hope now that Farley's come aboard.

"Thank you for joining this team. It's been frustrating to feel like we're on a sinking ship," she said.

Farley said he's spent time with the three new school board members  elected earlier this month. They will be seated as trustees  Dec. 7.

Tom Resseler, principal at San Juan Hills High, was  diplomatic in his description of the district's recent history.

"We've had a really exciting, passionate history in our district," he said. But he, too, is optimistic. "I really believe we've come through some stuff. It hasn't always been fun, but I think it's been healthy."