The Redlands Unified School District will welcome a new superintendent next month.
At its meeting Tuesday, Aug. 22, the Board of Education unanimously approved a contract with Mauricio Arellano, a longtime Inland educator. His first day on the job will be Sept. 18.
“I am truly honored to be selected as the superintendent of Redlands Unified School District and serve the amazing students and families of Forest Falls, Mentone, Loma Linda, Highland, and Redlands,” Arellano told a packed board room. “I am very excited to learn more about the remarkable educational programs and performing fine arts programs and athletic programs that have elevated the district to such high regard.”
Arellano, 51, lives in Beaumont and currently serves as assistant superintendent of human resources for the Palm Springs Unified School District, a position he’s held since 2003. He is a former elementary teacher and principal for the San Bernardino City Unified School District.
He holds bachelor’s degrees in sociology and Spanish from UC Riverside and a master’s degree in educational administration from Cal State San Bernardino.
Arellano “has a stellar reputation on the state level as an intelligent, hardworking, innovative and personable leader who looks for creative ways to apply current knowledge to enhance the environment and encourage excellence,” school board President Donna West said in a news release.
“Our board is very excited about the prospects of his leading the district and helping our students achieve academic success.”
Arellano will receive an annual salary of $220,000 under his contract, which lasts three years. He also will receive a $500-a-month car allowance, an expense allowance of $400 a month, relocation expenses up to $10,000, a $200,000 life insurance policy and 12 sick and 22 vacation days per year. Health benefits will be the same as those for certificated management.
His appointment follows a months-long search for a new superintendent after Lori Rhodes announced her retirement in April. The board hired Long Beach-based Dave Long & Associates to aid in the process and made its final selection Aug. 15.
“I am glad to see the process was very thorough,” board member Patty Holohan said before the contract’s approval. “We had a lot of candidates and I am pleased with who we have chosen today.”