From the Email INBOX: CJUSD Superintendent Selection

COLTON Interim leader to get chance at permanent job

The Colton Joint Unified School Board voted Tuesday to consider hiring the district's interim superintendent as a permanent chief.

The 5-0 vote, with board members Mark Hoover and Kent Taylor absent, means the board will consider appointing James Downs as the district's permanent superintendent at a regular meeting in April.

Tuesday's meeting was originally held so the board could pick a search firm to help it find a superintendent.

Taylor said he was disappointed by his colleagues' decision. He said he would prefer to hire a chief with experience as a superintendent, which Downs does not have.

"The students deserve the most qualified superintendent that is available, and we will achieve that by opening it up to applicants," Taylor said.