Darleene Barrientos
Glendale Unified Director of Special Education Tim Walker has
resigned his post, making him third key administrator's to step down
in the past year.
Walker was unanimously approved by Santa Monica-Malibu Unified
School District's board of education Thursday to step in as their
assistant superintendent of special education, the district's
spokeswoman Jeanne Wells said.
Walker's last day in Glendale will be Feb. 1, and he will start in
Santa Monica the next day.
"I don't want to leave Glendale," Walker said. "But the issue was,
the opportunity presented itself for a higher-level position, with a
salary commensurate with an asst. superintendent job. The offer was
such that I really could not ignore it. I will miss Glendale -- I'm
very torn. What we've done here has been phenomenal."
The day Walker leaves will be a sad day, Supt. Michael Escalante
said.
"He's an outstanding special education administrator, probably the
best I've seen," Escalante said. "He was offered an opportunity in
Santa Monica with salary at least $30,000 more than what we are
paying him. It will be very difficult to replace him -- he has
incredible skills at working with people through the special
education process. He also was incredibly knowledgeable about the
area of special education.
"It's just the way it happens -- we train them, they do great
things, they develop great reputations, and sometimes, other
opportunities open up for them."
Former Assistant Superintendent Mary McKee stepped down in June to
take a job in Ventura County, and former Director of Curriculum and
Instruction Joel Shapiro left his post after just one month to take a
job in Burbank Unified School District.
Walker is not the only administrator leaving Glendale mid-school
year.
Having commuted on weekends for the last few months after her
family moved to Las Vegas, Monte Vista Elementary School Principal
Sharon Popolo accepted a job there and will also leave Glendale in
February. Popolo did not return calls for comment.
"She's just done a great job even under the stress of that
commute," Escalante said.
R.D. White Elementary School Assistant Principal Jane Hale also
turned in her resignation by retirement this week. Hale, whose last
day will be Feb. 1, has been with the district for nearly 17 years,
according to district reports.
One administrator who is staying with a more responsibility is
Bill Card, now director of public information and administrative
services.
Card's former position was overseeing Student Services. He will
continue overseeing responsibilities like attendance permits and
enrollment, Escalante said. Card was in Sacramento Friday and could
not be reached for comment.
Administrators leaving helps the district in its efforts to
downsize, Escalante said. The district faces a $7 million deficit by
2007-08 and a decline in enrollment is projected for the next few
years.
Walker's position will be filled, he said.
"No one's losing a job," Escalante said. "It's just a matter of
downsizing the organization away from the school sites."
* DARLEENE BARRIENTOS covers education. She may be reached at
(818) 637-3215 or by e-mail at darleene.barrientos@latimes.com.
