SBCSS News and Press Releases

County Board Selects Thomas To Replace Superintendent Fischer

2008-07-07

SAN BERNARDINO - The San Bernardino County Board of Education selected Gary Thomas to replace retiring County Superintendent Herbert Fischer at its meeting today.

Thomas, who currently serves as deputy superintendent of County Schools, will serve the remainder of Fischer's third term as county superintendent when he retires effective Aug. 30.

"I want to thank the County Board for this appointment and its vote of confidence for me," said Thomas, who has been with County Schools since 2003. "It has been an honor to work with Dr. Fischer, and I will do my best to continue the outstanding leadership and commitment to public education he has shown during his tenure as county superintendent."

As deputy superintendent, Thomas has overseen the County Schools' Business Services Division, which includes the development and management of a $350 million budget, as well as other fiscal services in support of internal business functions.

"I am pleased that the County Board has selected Gary Thomas to succeed me when I retire in August," Fischer said. "Gary has had an outstanding career in public education, serving as a teacher, district administrator and superintendent. In his past five years with County Schools, his knowledge, expertise and leadership have greatly benefited our districts and staff."

The County Board voted 3-2 to accept Thomas as Fischer's replacement. The next election for the county superintendent position will be in November 2010.

"The demands of the county superintendent position require someone who knows our districts and can provide the educational leadership that will benefit the 428,000 students in San Bernardino County. I felt Gary can continue on the outstanding foundation Herb Fischer has built in his 10 years as county superintendent," said Al Waner, president of the County Board.

Thomas has more than 29 years of experience working in public education. He began his educational career as a teacher for Charter Oak Unified in 1979 and first came to San Bernardino County as a principal for Hesperia Unified in 1986. Prior to coming to County Schools in 2003, Thomas served as the district superintendent for Silver Valley Unified and Lucerne Valley Unified school districts.

"Dr. Fischer has built a tremendous structure over the past 10 years at County Schools," Thomas said. "It is imperative that we continue to focus on the countywide efforts to boost student achievement, as well as provide 21^st century preparedness for all students.

"I want to continue to support our local district needs, whether they be large or small districts, urban or rural. In addition, I want to continue to provide our own County Schools' facilities and programs for our special needs, alternative, juvenile hall and preschool students."

Thomas added that he will continue to support the powerful partnerships that have been formed with business, labor, community and faith-based individuals and organizations to bring relevance and rigor to curriculum. He also wants to build upon the partnerships with regional community colleges and universities to help adopt seamless transitions from K-12 schools into higher education.

Another pressing concern is the state budget. "We will closely monitor the developments in Sacramento to help ensure that our public schools are adequately funded," Thomas said.

County Schools is restructuring its former Curriculum/Instruction department, which is now called Education Support Services. "The emphasis to support low-performing schools countywide, as well as focus to close the access and achievement gaps that exist in our schools. will remain a priority," Thomas said.

In addition, Thomas said the work of strong programs like the Alliance for Education, regional P-16 Councils, Advancement Via Individual Determination, Gangs and Drugs Task Force will continue in their prominence through the County Schools' office.

"I look forward to working with Dr. Fischer, the staff, the district superintendents and our many education partners as the county superintendent," Thomas said.

A graduate of Cal State University, Los Angeles, Thomas received his master's degree and educational doctorate from the University of La Verne.