Schools Superintendent Moves up Retirement Because of Family Matter

Jan La Torre-Derby, who said in September that she would retire as superintendent of the affective at the end of the school year, is stepping down early because of personal family obligations, the district said Friday.

Derby said in a letter distributed by the district that she will leave no later than April 15.

Pam Conklin, NUSD’s human resources director and a former principal at several Novato schools, is to become the interim superintendent. Judi Pogue, a former assistant superintendent for human resources, is to assist with HR duties during the transition.

“Pam’s dedication and loyalty to NUSD will serve the district well,” Derby wrote. “She will assist in ensuring a smooth transition and welcoming a new superintendent into NUSD.”

Derby did not get specific in her letter about the reasons for her early departure. Novato Patch has left phone messages with Derby and Conklin.

Robert Vieth, principal at San Marin High who announced his own retirement at the end of the school year, said Derby will depart the district with an impressive legacy.

“Jan has been really supportive of this community and the schools,” he said. “I think everyone is going to miss her. She always knew in detail what was going on at the school campuses and was always supportive of people getting better.”

Conklin, a Novato native, was principal at Pleasant Valley Elementary School and Hill Middle School before working at the district office. Previously she had stints at Loma Verde Elementary, Sinaloa Middle School and San Jose Middle School.

An independent firm has been contracted to headhunt for Derby’s permanent replacement, and that process will not be affected by Derby’s departure, according to district spokeswoman Leslie Benjamin.

Derby said in January that she hopes a new superintendent will be named by May 1 so there is some buffer time to allow the new hire to be introduced to the district. In the letter sent out Friday, the district said it plans to make the permanent hire by July 1.

The Cosca Group of Fairfield met with the NUSD Board of Trustees and taken part in several meetings to get input from the public on the job search. Students, parents, staff members, administrators and other Novato citizens have provided input on the necessary strengths and skills desired for the new superintendent.

Cosca, which is being paid $21,200 for the job, provides a one-year mentorship to a new superintendent hire as part of its financial package.