In the wake of the sudden resignation of Mammoth School Superintendent Rich Boccia, the school board has voted to name retired education administrator Lou Stewart as the Interim Superintendent.  Board members say they will initiate a search for a permanent superintendent in late March.

It was on March 1st, after a series of closed sessions with their superintendent, that the school board sent a letter to their staff to say that Boccia had informed them he would resign, effective the day after the board meeting.  In a press release from the school district Wednesday, officials state that the school board gave a unanimous vote of support to name Lou Stewart as Interim Superintendent of Schools, effective Monday, March 11th.

Gloria Vasquez, Clerk of the Mammoth School Board, was quoted as saying that Ms. Stewart comes to the district with over 35 years of experience.  The news release says Stewart retired from Glendale Unified in Southern California where she served as assistant superintendent.  Since retiring, the school board said, Stewart has worked with consulting firms to train and coach school districts around the country.

Her previous roles include elementary school principal, high school co-principal and Director of Special Education.  She began her career as a special education teacher.

Officials said Stewart and her husband have long owned property in Mammoth Lakes and now live in Mammoth permanently.  Board members confirmed that they will start a search for a permanent superintendent, following “a thoughtful and thorough assessment of district needs.”