Burbank school board members traveled to Visalia, which is at roughly the midpoint between Bakersfield and Fresno in the Central Valley, on Feb. 1, meeting in closed session regarding the possible appointment and contract.
Burbank Unified Board of Education President Dave Kemp said Carrizosa has attributes and skills that should enhance the district’s academic performance, as well as its commitment to arts and athletics.
“If he is everything he’s indicated he is, he is a good listener and he wants to help people be better,” Kemp said. “I think we have a good thing going [in Burbank], and we want to keep it going rather than overhaul it completely when we don’t need to do it.”
The swift appointment surprised some local stakeholders, who were critical of Jolly’s leadership style and wary of such a quick turnaround in leadership.
Addressing the school board at the special meeting Thursday, Jerry Mullady, president of the Burbank Teachers Assn., said some teachers and parents had noted a lack of transparency in the vetting of Carrizosa, “which was a surprise to everyone.”
“Are we going down the same route again?” he asked, referring to the process that led to Jolly’s appointment.
Carrizosa was not one of the 27 candidates who applied last year to succeed retiring Supt. Gregory Bowman. Kemp said he expects the new chief to earn community and employee trust as he begins his tenure.
