Former South Kitsap School District Superintendent Dave LaRose is leaving Culver City Unified School District at the end of the school year, according to The Wave Newspapers of Culver City.
LaRose cited personal reasons for leaving the job that
drew him away from South Kitsap in 2012. He is not taking a
position with another district, he said.
“If the next chapter of my life was to be in a leadership role for
a school district, there’s no place I’d rather be than here in
Culver City,” LaRose is quoted as saying in The Wave article. “I’m
not sure what I will be doing next, but it has truly been an honor
to serve the Culver City community.”
LaRose said the next chapter of his career may include consulting, a sabbatical or even teaching.
LaRose, known during his tenure in South Kitsap as a charismatic evangelist of the “whole child, whole community” philosophy, accepted the job at the Southern California school district in 2012, saying at the time he wanted to be closer to his daughters, one of whom was living in California, the other who was attending college in Arizona.
LaRose was promoted to superintendent in 2008 by the school board after serving as the district’s assistant superintendent for family and support services and as principal at Orchard Heights Elementary School.
Echoing comments made by South Kitsap school officials when LaRose left this community, Culver City Board President Steve Levin said he was sorry to see LaRose leave.
“Dave has been an amazing, charismatic leader for the district, and we’re really sorry to see him go,” Levin said. “He has helped us make great strides in the right direction, and we are committed to keeping that momentum going. Dave’s legacy will benefit our students for years to come.”
During his time in Culver City, LaRose championed the Culver City Compact, “a signed document that outlines the community’s commitment and vision for a bright educational future that was adopted by a large group of community members, businesses and organizations,” according to The Wave. He also oversaw the launch of $106 million in major renovations and technology upgrades that are could take 12 years to complete.
South Kitsap School District serves more than 9,000 students; Culver City Unified serves roughly 6,500.
