Oroville high school district begins search for new superintendent

OROVILLE – The Oroville Union High School District Governing Board announced that the search for a new superintendent is underway.

Superintendent William Brown tendered his resignation effective Feb. 29, according to the district news release Friday. Brown, who was named to the superintendent position on July 1, 2023, has been on administrative leave since Nov. 16, 2023.

Brown

Following Brown’s placement on administrative leave, Corey Willenberg, whom Brown replaced as superintendent, was restored to his former position and has been at the helm ever since. Willenberg will remain superintendent until his retirement on June 30.

Friday’s release announcing the search stated: “The Board of Trustees is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the high standards of education and support for OUHSD students. To this end, the Board has outlined tentative timelines for the search and hiring process for a new superintendent.”

Review of applications for the position will start after the April 15 application deadline. First and second interviews of candidates will take place May 3 and 8 respectively. The final selection of the new district superintendent is slated for approval by the Governing Board at its May 15 meeting. The new hire will assume the role of lead administrator on July 1.

During the hiring process, “community input collected in June 2023 will be utilized during the superintendent search process. The Board recognizes the importance of community perspectives in selecting a leader who will guide the district with dedication and integrity,” according to the release.

The release also noted the timeline is subject to change and that changes and final details will be posted on this district’s website. A “superintendent search webpage” will also be “launched within the next week to serve as a central hub for information, timelines and updates about the search process.”

At the time of the personnel change in November 2023, the district issued a release stating that, “due to the sensitive nature of personnel matters, the district is unable to disclose additional details surrounding Mr. Brown’s administrative leave.”

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In an interview with this newspaper following the announcement Brown also stated that he was “obligated by confidentiality” to not share the circumstances behind the governing board’s action.

Brown’s removal as superintendent prompted concern from then Vice Mayor Janet Goodson who told this newspaper at the time that she was “dismayed” by the board’s decision. Some Oroville High School Students also staged a walkout on Nov. 17, 2023 protesting Brown’s removal.

On Nov. 30, 2023 approximately 80 people attended the OUHSD Governing Board meeting asking for reasons as to why Brown had been put on leave and to express their objections to the action and supporting his reinstatement.