PSUSD Appoints New Superintendent
The Palm Springs Unified District appointed a new superintendent Monday, and the board of education didn’t have to look to far to find her.
The appointment of Dr. Christine Anderson passed by a unanimous vote.
Anderson has been the district’s assistant superintendent of educational services for the past four years.
She’s also worked closely along side retiring superintendent Dr. Lorri McCune.
“I’m excited of course,” said Anderson, “honored.”
“She’s a wonderful lady,” said Nettie Roberts, a longtime PSUSD teacher. “She listens. She’s open. She’s fair. She’s just incredible. So, we’re really lucky.”
McCune announced her retirement in January, giving the board plenty of time to search for a replacement.
But in an effort to save money, rather than conducting a statewide or national search, the board decided to hire in-house.
That move saved taxpayers at least $40,000.
“It was absolutely the right decision,” said Justin Blake, president of the PSUSD Board of Education.
“We’re a highly effective team working together, and it just makes sense that one of them continue,” said McCune.
Anderson is facing a tough road ahead.
The district is building a new high school set to open in 2013, all while the state is $25.3 billion in the hole, forcing the district to issue layoff notices to almost 90 teachers, councilors and administrators.
On Tuesday, teacher’s across the desert plan on wearing red, symbolizing anger over the pink slips.
“I hope the voters will support us with the tax extension and realize how important education is,” said Roberts.
“We will know in June whether we’re going to lose $400 per year, per student or $800,” said Blake. “It’s that simple.”
Anderson has a doctorate in organizational leadership and spent more than 15 years with the Santa Ana Unified School District, including a long stint as principal.
“I know schools and what’s going on in education right now,” said Anderson. “I’m cautiously optimistic, (but) worried about the state budget. That’s probably our biggest issue.”
“What am I gonna do? I’m not really sure yet, but I love being in the valley and plan to stay here,” said McCune.
Anderson signed a three-year contract with an annual salary of $200,000 — the same amount McCune made.
Anderson’s first day as superintendent is July 1.
