Anderson superintendent retiring

ALL SMILES: Randy Palomino is retiring June 30 after three years as superintendent of the Anderson Union High School District.

Randy Palomino, superintendent of the Anderson Union High School District, is retiring effective June 30.

Palomino, 59, began working for the school district in 1975 as a teacher and coach. He has been superintendent of the 1,974-student district for three years.

“I’m very pleased with my career,” Palomino said. “The district has been wonderful to me, and it has given me an opportunity for leadership. I’ll always be proud of that.”

District trustees accepted his retirement at a special board meeting on Tuesday, March 11.

“Mr. Palomino has a long and distinguished career in the Anderson Union High School District. His loyalty and dedication will truly be missed,” stated Ron Brown, president of the district’s board of trustees.

During his tenure with the four-school district, Palomino taught at North Valley High School, Anderson Union High School and West Valley High School. He coached football at both Anderson and West Valley campuses, and was activities director, student counselor, and assistant principal at West Valley.

In 2002, Palomino was appointed assistant superintendent of the district, and he took over as district superintendent in May 2005 when Dennis Boyle retired.

Palomino said that the most challenging aspect of his superintendency was to accomplish the board’s goal of maintaining small class sizes amid budget concerns caused by declining student enrollment. He said the district was also able to add electives, technical career classes, and AP (advance placement) courses.

“As a superintendent, especially in this situation, every decision costs more,” Palomino said.

He said that the next superintendent would be challenged by continuing budget concerns.

“It all revolves around the state budget,” Palomino said. “How long is the state budget deficit issue going to go on? When are we going to get some stability from the state level?”

Meanwhile, the district’s governing board is gearing up for a nationwide search to replace Palomino.

“This will be the first time our district has opened the supervisor’s position to people outside the district,” board president Ron Brown said. “We have some fine prospects within our district, but we will try to pick the very best person we can.”

According to Brown, the district will look for a candidate capable of handling the current budget situation that includes low morale among faculty due to an ongoing labor dispute.

After his retirement, Palomino indicated he would stay active in education by getting involved with fundraisers.

“I have plans,” Palomino said, “I have grandchildren.”

Palomino will retire receiving 75 percent to 80 percent of his $120,000 annual salary.