School Board Announces Selection of Interim Superintendent

BY SUZANNE GULDIMANN

After several weeks of interviews, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education has at last decided on an interim superintendent.
The board is scheduled to approve the appointment of Tim Cuneo as interim superintendent of the district at its meeting on Thursday, July 10.
Cuneo replaces Dianne Talarico, who accepted a position in Northern California last month.
Some observers were surprised by the board’s decision to import another superintendent—Cuneo is from San Jose, and has spent years working for Silicon Valley area school districts.
Talarico, brought in from Ohio to head the SM-MUSD, stayed barely two years before moving on to the Bay Area, where she had previously taught for over 20 years—rather than select a more local candidate.
However, the board, in an official press release, states that “Cuneo brings extensive experience in all aspects of K-12 education, including student achievement, curriculum development, governance, budget management, and community relations.”
“After hearing from parents, assessing our needs, and interviewing four highly qualified former superintendents, we are thrilled to offer the interim superintendent position to Tim,” said Board President Oscar de la Torre.
“As the district continues to provide excellent education for its students, Mr. Cuneo’s experience will be a critical and strategic part of our plan to strengthen governance, improve special education, and implement school construction plans as outlined in Measure BB. He brings extensive background in board protocol, policy development, and team building, which will deliver an immediate benefit to our district.”
The board has indicated that it hopes to have a permanent superintendent in place by the start of next year.