Bolman chosen PCS interim chief

<p>Steve Bolman, deputy superintendent of Petaluma City Schools, has been selected to serve as the interim superintendent of PCS for one year beginning July 1, immediately after current Superintendent Greta Viguie retires.</p><p>The PCS Board of Education unanimously voted for Bolman to fill the post at its meeting on Thursday, but the appointment is pending negotiations of a contract that will involve legal counsel, said Mary Schafer, the board's president.</p><p>“The appointment will be put on the agenda for our Feb. 8 meeting, and we hope to finalize it then,” she said.</p><p>Bolman was unavailable for comment on Friday.</p><p>During Bolman's year of interim service, the board does not plan to hire anyone to replace him as deputy superintendent of business and administration.</p><p>“We would rearrange our support service staff to cover some of his current responsibilities, although we might need to hire clerical support. This should enable us to save $100,000 to $150,000,” Schafer said.</p><p>She says that Bolman's longtime history with PCS and his strong background in budget matters made him a strong candidate for the interim role. He has expressed interest in becoming the permanent superintendent, she added. </p><p>“Board members felt that he was the most experienced internal candidate for the interim position.” she said. “Steve told us he is interested in the position, and he meets the requirements for it.</p><p>“One of the reasons he was a strong candidate is that with the uncertainty of the state budget, we want someone as strong in business and administration as possible. It's very important for the district.”</p><p>Schafer said that the board hopes to have a permanent superintendent in place by July 1, 2012, as soon as Bolman's year as interim superintendent ends. </p><p>Petaluma resident Carl Wong, who recently retired after serving as superintendent of Sonoma County Schools, has suggested that PCS and the Old Adobe Union School District explore the possibility of merging under one superintendent. Schafer said that the PCS board is open to considering a merger, and she expects to talk soon with Russ Wigglesworth, a member of the Old Adobe Board of Trustees, about the matter.</p><p>(Contact Dan Johnson at dan.johnson@arguscourier.com)</p>