Former district superintendent dies at 82

William L. Cunningham, former superintendent of Newport-Mesa Unified School District and education advisor to Gov. George Deukmejian, died Friday after a battle with melanoma. He was 82.

“He was a leading California educator, crusading throughout his life for quality education and professional leadership in all of California’s schools,” his family members said in a prepared statement.

Cunningham served as superintendent of Newport-Mesa Unified School District from 1968 to 1971 before he was named the first executive director of the Assn. of California School Administrators.

He was active in state politics on behalf of ACSA, including representing education during the drafting of the state collective bargaining laws for public sector employees.

“His side did not always win, but he eloquently and tirelessly fought for what he felt was right for California education,” family members said.

A memorial service will be at Granite Springs Church in Lincoln at 2 p.m. Saturday. A reception will follow at Orchard Creek Lodge.

Burial will be at noon Sunday at Santa Rosa Memorial Park with a gathering to follow at Ledson Winery in Kenwood.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Carlin C. Coppin Elementary School Library Fund, 150 E. 12th St., Lincoln, CA 95648.

BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at [email protected].