Hawthorne Press Tribune
Herald Publications - Inglewood, Hawthorne, Lawndale, El Segundo, Torrance & Manhattan Beach Community Newspapers Since 1911 - Circulation 30,000 - Readership 60,000 (310) 322-1830 - March 8, 2018
Inside
This Issue
Certified & Licensed
Professionals.......................2
Classifieds............................3
Film Review..........................7
Hawthorne Happenings....3
Lawndale .............................4
Legals................................ 5-7
Pets........................................2
Food.......................................8
Weekend
Forecast
St. Joseph’s Kids Get Creative
on Read Across America Day
Last Friday on Read Across America Day (celebrated on Dr. Seuss’s birthday), students at Saint Joseph’s School in Hawthorne participated in a campus-wide STEM contest: “Build the most creative, tallest,
freestanding Truffula Treet out of recycled materials.” The winners included the fourth graders pictured above, as well as a group of seventh graders. Photo by Kirsten Agosto.
Wiseburn Appoints Dr. Blake
Silvers as New Superintendent
The Wiseburn Unified School District
Board of Trustees last week announced the
appointment of Blake Silvers, Ed.D. as new
Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1.
Dr. Silvers has a rich history with Wiseburn,
having served as both assistant principal
and principal at Dana Middle School the
past 10 years.
Input for the new superintendent included
sessions with all stakeholder groups –
administrators, staff, community groups,
parents and key city and business partners.
Forums were held with constituents and an
online survey was available on the District
website. Utilizing feedback from the community,
Leadership Associates -- a premier
executive search firm -- advertised and
conducted an extensive nationwide search
for the position.
The Wiseburn Board worked with Leadership
Associates Consultants Dr. Peggy
Lynch and Dr. David Verdugo to conduct
the superintendent search and develop the
candidate profile. After hundreds of hours
of analysis and review, the recruitment effort
resulted in 42 candidate requests, and narrowed
down to 28 qualified applicants. The
Board reviewed all applications on Feb. 8,
with six candidates selected for interviews.
Although the search was nationwide, the
Board realized it did not need to look far to
find their new superintendent and appointed
Dr. Silvers, who will be formally approved
this month. Based on stakeholder feedback
and leadership profile, it was decided he was
the best fit for Wiseburn from an incredibly
talented group of candidates.
Board President JoAnne Kaneda, stated,
“Dr. Silvers’ leadership and commitment
to Wiseburn is tried and true. Over the
past 10 years at Dana Middle School he has
worked with an outstanding staff to take the
school to new heights as a National Forum
School to Watch, a California Distinguished
School and a Gold Ribbon School. Dr.
Silvers’ leadership has resulted in the expansion
of Career Technical Education pathways,
most specifically engineering, innovative
STEAM programs and collaborative relationships
with teachers and staff resulting in
numerous awards for Dana Middle School.
I look forward to working with him to
promote our schools with top quality
education preparing students for university,
technical trades and well-paid careers in the
21st Century.”
Board member Dr. Neil Goldman, said,
“With an excellent track record of success,
Dr. Silvers is an incredible asset to the District
as we head into the future. He has been
recognized for his excellent communication
skills, ethical leadership and ability to think
outside the box. As an innovator, he was the
architect of an unparalleled Positive Behavior
Support System that has resulted in a model
school culture and a community of respect.
Dr. Silvers has also led all efforts throughout
the District to keep our schools as safe havens
for our students.”
Dr. Silvers stated, “It is a distinct honor
to be selected by WUSD as the new superintendent.
I am excited for the future of
Wiseburn, a community that I am proud to
call my second home. Our team will continue
to provide the best instructional practices in
the classrooms, and the healthiest and safest
environment for all of our students. I look
forward to collaborating with our teachers,
staff, students and parents to elevate the
district to the next level.”
Dr. Silvers earned his Doctorate from the
University of Southern California and has
his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from
Loyola Marymount University. He has been
a middle and high school teacher, mentor
teacher, assistant principal and principal.
– Content From Wiseburn USD Press Release •
Friday
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The Weekly Newspaper of Hawthorne