By Shari Kaplan
At its meeting July 10, the Los Gatos Union School District Board of Trustees introduced Bert Pearlman as the new superintendent, concluding a search process that began in February, when former superintendent Stephen Benbow submitted a letter of resignation following a lengthy leave of absence.
Pearlman joins Los Gatos from the Beverly Hills Unified School District, where he worked for four years as assistant superintendent for instructional services. His qualifications include a doctorate in education and 28 years of experience as a classroom teacher and administrator on the elementary, secondary and university levels.
The unanimous choice of the board, Pearlman was highly esteemed by the district's professional consultant Lee Mahon, her screening committee, the district's Advisory Interview Committee and members of the community.
"In interviews with teachers, staff and parents who worked with Bert, he was consistently described as child-oriented, dynamic, innovative and sensitive," said board president Rebecca Dawson of the evaluation.
"We were fortunate to have a strong field of candidates, but Bert seems to be a perfect fit for Los Gatos. We are delighted to welcome him to the community."
Pearlman told board members that he hopes to get on board and "hit the ground running" by Aug. 1. The superintendent's annual salary is $95,000. Now in the process of relocating from Southern California, Pearlman will attend his first Los Gatos board meeting on Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Daves Avenue Library.
This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, July 17, 1996.
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