CERRITOS : Fresno Schools Official Is Top Supt. Candidate

The ABC Unified School District board has decided on a top candidate for superintendent.

Thomas J. Riley, an area superintendent with Fresno Unified School District, is expected to be hired by the end of the month.

Riley, 55, is one of three area superintendents with the 78,000-student Fresno school district, the third largest in the state. Riley oversees a geographic area that has 24,500 students. Before taking the Fresno position 1 1/2 years ago, he had been superintendent of the Madera Unified School District for six years and assistant superintendent four years.

“Riley is a real education reformer, has a hands-on approach to education and is a strong teacher and student advocate,” said ABC board member Cecy Groom.

Four members of the seven-member board voted to approve Riley as the top candidate. Board members Robert Hughlett and Dixie Primosch voted against the decision. Primosch said she felt another candidate was more qualified. Board member Jim Weisenberger was not present during the recent vote.

Board members are scheduled to visit the Fresno and Madera school districts today, and are expected to make a final decision to hire Riley later this month.

The board abruptly placed Supt. Larry L. Lucas on leave last March. The board later approved a $250,000 settlement with Lucas, who had three years left in his four-year contract.

Robert W. Purvis has been interim superintendent since September.