By Julian MITCHELL

The Glendale Unified School District board of education met on Tuesday, with the main topic being the search for a new superintendent after its recent firing of former GUSD superintendent Dr. Winfred Roberson Jr.

“We’re confident this was the right decision for our children,” said GUSD board President Gregory S. Krikorian.

As previously reported in the CV Weekly, Dr. Roberson was supposed to be under contract until 2020, but was released on Jan. 29 “without cause.”

According to Krikorian, a rumor had been circulating on social media that Dr. Roberson’s firing was related to his cultural background as well as the large fight between Herbert Hoover and Glendale high schools. Krikorian wanted to make it explicitly clear that Dr. Roberson’s dismissal had nothing to do with any “singular incident” and that racial labeling was something he hoped society could move past.

All members of the board thanked Dr. Roberson for his time in the GUSD system. Many members noted how “difficult” a decision it was.

“We would not have made that decision if we didn’t have support from our [principals, teachers, and staff],” said GUSD board member Shant Sahakian.

According to Krikorian, GUSD will move on and seek a new superintendent who will be able to handle all of GUSD’s ongoing problems, including the fiscal situation.

The GUSD has policies in place that establish an interim superintendent. Filling that role is Dr. Kelly King, the Educational Services assistant superintendent. Dr. King noted that she intends to remain honest with the public during her time as interim superintendent. The search for a new superintendent will begin soon as the board seeks a search firm that would line up potential candidates. The board elected to hire a firm as opposed to limiting search resources to within GUSD.

Despite the costs of hiring a firm, a majority of board members hoped hiring an outside company would reduce any public worries of nepotism and allow the board to remain “open and clear” to the public.

As president of the board, Krikorian assigned himself and vice president Jennifer Freemon to the committee in charge of searching for firms to seek out potential candidates. They will narrow it down to three or four firms and present those to the rest of the board members.

According to Krikorian, another piece of gossip that had been circulating online was that Krikorian voted for Dr. Roberson’s dismissal in part because his son purportedly been on campus during the aforementioned fight at Hoover High School.

“I can say with 100% certainty that Mr. Krikorian’s son was not on campus during the incident,” said Dr. King, who was part of the investigation into the fight.

Krikorian reiterated that his son had no bearing on his vote regarding Dr. Roberson’s dismissal also stating he had faith that every board member would act the same if presented a similar situation.

“We’re elected to represent the kids,” said Krikorian. “We’re elected to make tough decisions.”

Dr. Roberson was unable to be reached for comment.

Additionally, the council also showcased talented artists with special needs from College View School. The art showcase was part of the National PTA art program Reflections that celebrates its 50th year. This year’s theme was “Heroes Around Me” and next year’s theme will be “Look Within.”

During the meeting certificates were handed out for a number of musicians who were recognized for the Southern California Honor Ensemble. Furthermore, six students from Rosemont Middle School and Crescenta Valley High School were recognized for being selected to the statewide California Honor Ensemble.

The GUSD board of education holds meetings the first and third Tuesdays of each month at its headquarters located at 223 N. Jackson St., Glendale.