The Capistrano Unified School District is officially welcoming its new superintendent.
Following an extensive five-month search, trustees this week announced the selection of Dr. Christopher Brown, who is currently the assistant superintendent for research, assessment and school improvement in the Long Beach Unified School District. His four-year contract, approved by all seven trustees, begins on July 1, according to the CUSD Insider.
“He is an instructional and operational leader who was also recognized as an excellent teacher,“ board President Krista Castellanos said. “He has been involved in everything from classroom instruction to school construction and school modernization.”
Long Beach is California’s fourth largest school district, serving nearly 66,000 students. Before becoming its assistant superintendent, Brown was a high school director, a principal, a middle school assistant principal, a coordinator, a dean, an athletic coach and a science teacher. His principalship was at the California Academy of Math and Science, a multidistrict-supported magnet high school at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
Brown earned his bachelor’s degree from UC Irvine and his master’s degree from Cal State Long Beach. He has a doctoral degree in educational leadership — focused on preparation for a superintendency — from the University of Southern California.
“I am truly humbled to be selected as the new superintendent for the Capistrano Unified School District,” he said. “I look forward to partnering with the board to build on the long history of success enjoyed by CUSD. I am eager to interact with our students and families in the fall, and with the teachers and staff members who support them.”
With nearly 50,000 students, Capistrano is Orange County’s largest school district, ranking ninth in California. Deputy Superintendent Clark Hampton has led CUSD since January, following the departure of former Superintendent Kirsten Vital Brulte.
Focused on achievement
According to the district, Capistrano’s selection process included sessions with 320 stakeholders, who participated in focus groups, individual interviews or community forums to describe their ideal candidates. A cross section of 2,164 community members also completed an online survey.
Brown, described by peers as an excellent administrator and teacher, emerged as the top candidate after submitting a lengthy application and participating in two structured interviews that lasted more than two hours. Trustees also visited his current workplace.
“After the visit I decided to re-read Dr. Brown’s original letters of recommendation and personal statement,” trustee Gila Jones said. “I was very pleased to find a remarkable consistency throughout, including evidence of a very organized, collaborative, humble, reflective and self-aware person with good political acumen, who accepts feedback, and — most important of all — is laser-focused on evidence and student achievement.”
“We learned wonderful things about Dr. Brown’s leadership through our selection processes,” said trustee Michael Parham. “He maintains professional and collaborative relationships with everyone in his school community.”
Brown said he was not seeking a superintendency until he learned about the opening in Capo.
“I have not been actively pursuing a promotional opportunity to simply move into the position of superintendent,” he said. “The CUSD position is the only one I applied to because its stated leadership needs match my areas of strength.”