Schools

MUSD Superintendent Karl Black to Retire

The Board of Education is expected to accept his letter of retirement at Tuesday's meeting; his last day as superintendent will likely be July 1.

After a 35-year career in public education, Dr. Karl Black plans to submit his letter of retirement at Tuesday's school board meeting. 

The superintendent's last day at Milpitas Unified School District will likely be July 1, capping his 14 years of service to the district.

Black, who turns 59 in September, said, "I'm really going to miss everyone. It's really just time for me to spend some time with my family. Maybe some day, I'll jump back in and do part-time work."

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Before becoming superintendent, he served as director of special projects, director of educational services and assistant superintendent of operations—a position he later recommended be cut because of the budget deficit. 

Funding shortages have created many challenges for the superintendent over the years, leading to elimination of programs, such as music in elementary schools and the community day school, which he helped launch. 

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"When you eliminate positions, you eliminate programs," Black said. "I did my best to cut programs after people retired or moved on, but you can't always do that." 

During Black's nine-year term as superintendent, API scores have risen 100 points.

"I'm proudest of our employees, to be honest with you," he said, referring to the administrators, teachers, classified employees, who have helped API scores rise consistently each year since 2003—even while working with fewer resources. "We've gone through some really tough budget levels."

The district has seven California distinguished schools. Cal Hills was recognized as a model continuation high school. Rancho Middle is designated as one of the 2011 Schools to Watch-Taking Center Stage—out of seven in California.

Black also credits a stable school board for the district's successes.

Board of Education President Marsha Grilli, who was also president of the board when Black was promoted to superintendent in 2003, said, "I think that his leadership has helped us through tough times."

From the very beginning, he's had to make drastic cuts, she said. "He has a strong ability to work with people and be open and honest," including always being part of the solution. 

"Employees were able to gain his respect, and we could talk about what was good for the kids," she said.

Black said he was very proud of the district's relationship with the Milpitas Teachers Association, California School Employees Association and the Milpitas Management Association (a professional association). "We rarely have union issues," he said.

"I consider him not only a professional superstar, but also a friend," said Charles Gary, former principal of Milpitas High who retired three years ago.

"What I like about Dr. Black is that he has the uncanny ability to place people where they can be most successful and supportive of the organization," he said.

"He allows competent people to approach their job as they believe it should be done," without micromanaging them, he said.

Zanker Elementary School Principal Kathy Doi said Black is a creative thinker who sought out innovative ways to increase revenues for the district, such as soliciting numerous business partnerships, the parcel tax (which voters passed in 2010), and reducing the cost of a new multi-use building for Zanker by using a modular design.

But perhaps what Black will be most known for are the solar panels installed throughout the district that generate 75-80 percent of the electricity used during the school year.

Doi said he found a way to partner with the California Solar Initiative, Chevron Energy Solutions and Bank of America with no upfront costs to the school district. The renewable energy not only saves money but reduces the carbon footprint.

"We are an educational institution," said Black, crediting the school board for its courage to go forward with the project. "It's important that the next generation learn from our example." 

Board president Grilli said the superintendent position is the only one the board directly hires and evaluates. "It's going to be difficult when you have somebody who has done a good job  to hold them to the standard that Karl set for us," said Grilli. 

"One of the most important things the board can do is hire a superintendent," she said. 

Having been through this process before, she said it would cost about $25,000-$30,000 to hire a firm to conduct a national search.

"In the big picture, it's not a job the board can do on its own," she said. "We need a professional to help us."

A national search would take about three months, she said. The board would gather input from community on what qualifications to look for, advertise nationwide, conduct interviews in May. The board would also visit the school sites of the finalists. 

Dr. Karl Black has been recognized for the following:

  • Superintendent of the Year, 2009, Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), Santa Clara County.
  • Administrator of the Year, 2010, ACSA, Santa Clara County.
  • Principal of the Year, 1996, ACSA, while principal of Pacific Grove High School, Monterey and San Benito counties.
  • His artwork at two museums, National Museum in Washington, D.C., and the Art Institute in Chicago.

His brother, Clif Black, is superintendent at Evergreen School District in San Jose.


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