Rebecca Lawrence selected as new superintendent of Alta Loma School District

RANCHO CUCAMONGA -- The long wait is over -- Rebecca Lawrence has been named superintendent of the Alta Loma School District after a three-month search.

Lawrence comes to the district with 20 years of experience as Etiwanda School District's assistant superintendent of instruction and pupil services, prior to that she worked in the Rialto and Fontana school districts.

"I'm very excited -- elated," said the new superintendent. "I'm thrilled to be able to continue my career in Rancho Cucamonga."

Board President Pete Peterson made the announcement at Tuesday's meeting by reading a brief biography about Lawrence.

"Those who know her will find that students are her No. 1 priority," Peterson read aloud. "Above all, she believes that students can and will succeed."

Board member Rebecca Davies said Lawrence's experience and expertise in education was one of the reasons why she's the perfect candidate for the Alta Loma district.

"Being she came from our neighboring district, we've been able to see how Etiwanda has grown and what she's been able to bring to the district as far as strong programs," she said.

Peterson said it was Lawrence's experience at Etiwanda that gave her a "leg up" over other candidates.
"We had some good candidates, but she really stood out especially during interviews," he said.

lawrence came to Etiwanda in 1989 and was hired as the principal to open the district's fourth school, West Heritage Elementary.

One of Lawrence's major accomplishments is building the Professional Development Center, which began in the Etiwanda district in 1989 to train vice principals and principals.

Peterson said Lawrence came across as someone who is sure of herself, her abilities and her vision for the district.

"She knows there are issues with the state budget, issues with declining enrollment and bringing our Academic Performance Index score up," Peterson said.

Although the district's API is already high at 829 (the state goal for districts is 800), Peterson said that score can always be higher and believes the new superintendent will help in setting a higher goal.

Lawrence said she is confident she is the perfect match for the district.

"They want to be No. 1 in test scores, and student achievement is one of my top priorities," she said. "And that's one of the reasons why we really see eye to eye, and that will really make us a good team."

Although Lawrence doesn't begin her new position until Nov. 3, the community will get a chance to meet her at the next school board meeting at 7 p.m., Wednesday at the Alta Loma School District Support Center, 9390 Base Line Road.