BY KEVIN PEARSON
STAFF WRITER [email protected]
Cawthon has been with the district for nine years, working her way up from a school principal to her most recent position where she has served as assistant superintendent for educational services.
The board approved the move, 5-2, with board members Lisa DeForest and Marilyn Forst dissenting.
The district's top educator spot has been in flux since Steve Lowder resigned to become the top educator with the Stockton Unified School District after just 21 months in Hemet. Deputy Superintendent for Human Resources LaFaye Platter was named “immediate interim” superintendent, but the board sought a longer-term replacement.
Board President Bill Sanborn said Platter was strongly considered, but that she has interviewed for superintendent jobs in other districts and the board wanted to avoid the potential for more turnover at the top.
“We wanted as much stability as we could get at this point,” Sanborn said, while also praising Cawthon's ability to lead the district.
Cawthon assumes her new role immediately.
Sanborn has said the search for a permanent replacement is likely to last into the fall and having a permanent replacement by the start of the academic year is unlikely.
Follow Kevin Pearson on Twitter: @pe_kevinpearson or online at blog. pe.com/hemet