The Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District is moving forward with the search for a permanent Superintendent, while also appointing an Interim Deputy Superintendent who will assist in the day-to-day District operations during this time of transition.

The Board of Education tapped Ginger Shattuck, retired Norwalk-La Mirada Unified Superintendent with a 40-year history with the District, to serve as Interim Superintendent after former Superintendent Dr. Ruth Perez left the District for a position as Deputy Superintendent at the Los Angeles Unified School District.

However, state retirement law limits the number of hours Shattuck can work, which will reduce the number of hours she can be compensated for.  Beginning in January, she will spend two days a week in the office.

To help with District operations, the District appointed Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Wayne Shannon to the post of Interim Deputy Superintendent, effective Feb. 1.

“I’ll be somebody who can help with day-to-day decisions necessary to operate the District,” he said.

“Decisions that have long term implications, those regarding the District’s vision, mission, or higher level board decisions will still be routed through Interim Superintendent Shattuck.”

The Board of Education on Jan. 5 met with search firm Dave Long & Associates to launch the superintendent search process and to establish qualities the Board wants in a new leader for Norwalk-La Mirada Unified.

“This is an exciting time for our District,” Board of Education President Jesse Urquidi said. “The Board is focused on selecting a strong leader who will continue to support the District’s mission to provide the best educational opportunities for all students.”

In the meantime, Shattuck and Shannon will work together to ensure a seamless transition so Norwalk-La Mirada students continue to have access to a rigorous instructional program that prepares them for their futures.

“Mr. Shannon and I have a strong working relationship and l am confident that we can continue increasing student achievement and success in Norwalk-La Mirada Unified, while also collaborating with staff, teachers, parents and our Board of Education to achieve our goals,” Shattuck said.

Shannon joined the District in 1996 as a substitute teacher, when Shattuck was serving as Superintendent. He became a middle school teacher, assistant principal and principal before being promoted to director and ultimately assistant superintendent of human resources.

He is not receiving a salary increase for serving as deputy superintendent.

“This gives me a great opportunity to serve the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District,” Shannon said. “I couldn’t be happier that the Board has shown their confidence in me to serve in this capacity.”