Out of 20 candidates, Dr. Rhonda Taylor was selected for the Lakeside Union School District on June 14. Taylor served on the LUSD Board of Trustees since 2016 but resigned in April to apply for the position. With more than 25 years of experience in education, Taylor served the district as a teacher, vice principal, and principal. She currently is principal at Morning Creek Elementary School in the Poway Union School District, and an adjunct professor for National and Ashford universities. Taylor will begin her new position on July 1, the day after current Superintendent Andy Johnsen leaves for his new position as superintendent of the San Marcos Unified School District.
On May 6, the Board held a virtual public meeting open to the public to gain community input from parents, staff and community members on what they wanted to see in the new superintendent. Most of the comments included needing someone that knows the district, its programs, and can help navigate students as they return to in-person classrooms after closures due to the pandemic. Many also expressed that it needed to be someone that could rebuild trust in the district and the community and would be dedicated to Lakeside.
Board President Holly Ferrante said that the three semi-finalists were exceptionally qualified.
“Dr. Taylor’s connection with the community distinguished her from other candidates,” she stated in a press release. “We are confident that she will serve Lakeside well and have a positive impact on staff and community.”
Taylor stated that she is dedicated to the LUSD educational community and that she would “give you my best every day to ensure that every student succeeds.”
