STANLEY C. MANTOOTH
VENTURA COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
After an extensive search process, the Ventura County Board of Education appointed Mr. Stan Mantooth to fill the unexpired term of former Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Charles Weis. The appointment was effective September 1, 2008.
During the interviews, Mr. Mantooth stated that he was excited about the possibility of providing greater service to the students, parents, and community of Ventura County. He stated that his extensive background within the public education sector and with the Ventura County Office of Education, in particular, should serve him well.
Mr. Mantooth has seen public education from many different perspectives. He moved through a number of classified educational support positions, and in 1989, he was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Business Services for the Oak Park Unified School District. He joined the Ventura County Office of Education in 1996 and currently serves as Associate Superintendent of the Administrative Services branch. He also serves as a lecturer for California State University Northridge in its graduate education program. During the selection process he received extensive support from colleagues and associates from around the county and state.
Mario Contini, Conejo Valley Unified School District Superintendent, stated in a letter of reference, “Mr. Mantooth’s reputation around Ventura County and beyond is one of a man of exceptional character, high integrity, extraordinary competence, and totally dedicated to customer service with a “your problem is my problem attitude. There has never been a time when I or anyone I know has not had anything but superlative things to say about his leadership and his eagerness to assist others.”
The Ventura County Board of Education interviewed a field of highly experienced and qualified candidates but stated that Mr. Mantooth’s knowledge of county office operations clearly helped him stand above the rest of the group. During the deliberation of candidate qualifications, Board members stated their sincere confidence and trust in Mr. Mantooth’s ability to lead the county office to even greater levels of satisfaction. They were very appreciative of his extensive expertise in the area of school finance and stated that he was the best candidate to help all school districts as they face the difficult years ahead. Mr. Chris Valenzano, Board President, told audience members that Mr. Mantooth quickly accepted the Board’s offer of appointment and was eager to start working with the Board, staff, and community. Board President Valenzano further stated, “The Board is confident that we have selected the right person for the job. Our unanimous vote reflects our unconditional support for Mr. Mantooth. We know that he will serve Ventura County well.”
In his letter of application Mr. Mantooth stated, “Throughout my career, I have consistently kept sight of our ultimate goal; the service and care of the students in our charge, and the critical nexus between support functions and the teaching environment. To this end, it is now my intention to shift focus from a business and administrative emphasis to the Superintendency and, thereby, make a more direct contribution through instructional leadership, advocacy and meaningful change.” He has told friends and family that he is excited about the opportunity to finally make this vision a reality.
Mr. Mantooth has already started meeting with staff and plans to meet with representatives from every district in the county in the next few months. His goals are to take time to assess current situations and to move slowly and carefully in his desires to provide an even greater level of customer service to all consumers of the office.