Following a thorough search conducted by Leadership Associates, the Burbank Unified School District Board of Education has selected Matthew R. Hill as the finalist to replace retiring Superintendent Dr. Jan Britz. Mr. Hill is currently the Chief Strategy Officer of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Prior to that, Mr. Hill worked for the Oakland Unified School District.
On April 14, 2015, the Board of Education will hold an Open Forum to allow District employees, parents, and members of the general public with an opportunity to ask questions of Mr. Hill and to learn more about his background and professional qualifications.
The Board expects to take action to confirm an offer of employment to Mr. Hill at its April 16, 2015 regularly scheduled Board Meeting. If approved, Mr. Hill will begin serving as Superintendent starting on July 1, 2015.
The Board conducted a nationwide search and received applications from many exceptional applicants.
Lori Adams, BTA President sent the following email out to all BUSD union personal on Monday after the announcement of both the new Superintendent and the meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday night that was announced Monday.
Dear Colleagues,
First of all, remember tomorrow (Tuesday, April 14th) is the last day to drop off your ballot at the City Clerk’s office in City Hall at 925 E. Olive Ave. This last week has proven that a teacher-friendly school board is vitally important.
Never in my time as president have I been so concerned about a decision by the BUSD Board of Education as I am about their choice of LAUSD’s Matt Hill as their top choice for Superintendent, and we have been through A LOT. Attached is a flyer that will be in your boxes very soon. I had to quickly call in our site reps to pick them up and distribute them, so I am sending it again here to be sure that everyone receives it.
In brief, Matt Hill has never been a teacher, principal, or even worked at a school site. He has no curriculum or HR experience. Matt Hill played a significant role in the iPad and MiSiS scandals in LAUSD. For the past 10 years, his salary has been paid for by the Broad Foundation, which is responsible for turning public schools into charter schools. BUSD is an island, surrounded by a sea of charter schools, so it is no mystery why a “Broadie” would be interested in us. It is only a matter of time until he will bring in more of his network to replace our staff.
There is a town hall meeting TOMORROW (which was called this afternoon) at 3:30 PM in the Burroughs auditorium. If you can come, please do! Ask the tough questions.
All BTA and community members are encouraged to email the board, call the district and attend the School Board meeting at 6:00 in City Hall this Thursday to let the Board know that BUSD deserves an experienced, highly qualified and scandal-free superintendent. None of these apply to Matt Hill.
Please wear black to show our solidarity.
In unity,
Lori Adams
BTA President
The Board selected Mr. Hill as the finalist after he demonstrated that he was the most qualified candidate to ensure the District continues to deliver educational excellence for all students. Mr. Hill is a visionary, collaborative, and passionate leader. He vows that every decision he makes will be based on what is best for all Burbank students.
Mr. Hill stated: “I am honored to be named as the finalist for the Superintendent position of the Burbank Unified School District. I look forward to the opportunity to work with the entire community to build upon the successes of the District. By working together we can ensure that all of our students reach their highest potential.”
Mr. Hill is currently enrolled in Loyola Marymount University’s Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership for Social Justice. He also holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from UCLA.
Matt and his wife Karen have two boys, Emerson, age 6, and Aidan, age 4.
Below is a copy of the flyer that was being distributed to teachers:
(Note- second side just added at 12:45 after a reader sent it in)
