Meet Eureka District's Interim Superintendent

David Dominguez of Granite Bay took over as interim superintendent of Eureka Union School District, following the retirement of Rick Schrichfield, who served as interim superintendent since February.

Jerri Davis, district board president, said the decision to hire another interim superintendent was based on three factors.

“It is not the ideal time to be advertising for the position because most superintendents have already accepted positions for the 2011-12 school year and (we want) to involve the community in a process that will help define the qualities and characteristics the district needs at this time in a permanent superintendent,” Davis said.

Davis said the district also did not want to rush into a quick decision for a permanent superintendent.

Dominguez, who accepted the position despite his recent retirement, earns an annual base salary of $146,000 – a 9 percent reduction from his predecessor’s salary of $159,000, according to district documents.

“Everyone is being asked to do more with less, and Mr. Dominguez is setting an excellent example here,” Davis said.

Dominguez, brings with him a wealth of academic supervision experience. His credentials include a tenure as principal with Eureka Union School District from 1993 to 2001, followed by serving as superintendent in three local school districts.   

A long-time resident of Granite Bay, Dominguez admits to harboring a special affinity for the EUSD and decided to come out of retirement to help lead the district during this transitory period.

Davis said Dominguez was chosen for a variety of reasons.

“David Dominguez was selected because he knows our district and culture,” she said. “He brings the experience of successfully serving as superintendent in three local school districts. He also enjoys the support of the many EUSD staff members that know him and have worked with him.”

Dominguez, 58, served as a teacher in San Jose for eight years, teaching primary, middle and upper grades. He has 19 years of experience as a principal – he served as Oakhills Elementary School principal for eight years.

His wife Laurie, is a kindergarten teacher in the Rocklin Unified School District. His son, Michael, 30, works at Sonoma State University in the recreation department and daughter 28-year-old Kacey currently serves in the Peace Corps in Ukraine.

When Dominguez isn’t working, he said he can be found golfing, reading, maintaining the yard and visiting with family and friends.

Dominguez oversees the Eureka district, which serves kindergarten through eighth-grade students in east Roseville and Granite Bay.

Dominguez said his goal for the district is to provide a smooth transition until a permanent superintendent is hired. The board will meet in August to establish the district goals for the 2011-12 school year.

Dominguez said he also hopes to provide leadership that is fair and consistent while supporting the wonderful staff, parents, and students that make this district special.

“David is a well respected member by Placer County’s education community for his integrity and proven leadership skills,” Davis said. “He will no doubt help this district continue to provide the excellent education our community expects and deserves.”

We spoke with Dominguez to find out his priorities and how teaching has changed within the last 20 years:

Dominguez's top 5 priorities for the district for the 2011-12 school year:

• Provide stability for the next six months or until a new superintendent is hired
• Oversee and support the hiring of a new special education director and human resources director
• Monitor our budget in a time of economic uncertainty
• Convey respect and appreciation to all district employees
• Work with the school board on roles and procedures to improve the governance of the district

How is teaching different today compared to 20 years ago?

• Teachers today are more prepared with understanding California Teaching Standards
• More challenges today with more English Learners and Non English Proficient Learners
• Less support staff today
• Fewer job opportunities with declining enrollment and budget reductions