Central Unified School District has chosen one of its own -- Michael Berg -- as the district's new superintendent.
The board of trustees voted unanimously to hire Berg, who had been Central Unified's assistant superintendent and chief business officer, over seven other candidates. The decision came after a special board meeting on Saturday.
Berg, 47, joined Central in 2004 and has spent more than 26 years in education. His career includes more than two decades at Fresno Unified School District, where he last worked as director of facilities and management planning.
Trustees selected Berg after conducting final interviews with the top eight candidates in a meeting that began at 8 a.m. and ran until early evening.
Most of the candidates were from Fresno County, including two others from Central Unified, and two were from elsewhere in the state. The eight finalists were whittled from a field of 22 applicants.
On Monday, Berg said he looked forward to taking over the new job, which is still contingent on the board of trustees approving his contract next week.
"I've been in support roles throughout my career and superintendent is the ultimate support role," he said.
Berg replaces Marylou Ryder, who resigned at the end of June after accepting the top job at Victor Valley Union High School District.
Cindy Berube, president of Central Unified's board of trustees, said details of Berg's contract -- including salary -- still are being negotiated. She said his contract will be discussed and could be approved at the Nov. 10 meeting.
Berube said if a contract is approved at that meeting, Berg would become superintendent "effective immediately."
Ryder earned slightly more than $196,000 in salary and benefits when she resigned.
Berube said she was glad the board was unanimous on Berg's hire, unlike Ryder's hire four years ago, which was approved on a 4-3 vote.
"It was very nice this board was able to come together and choose an internal candidate who I believe will do an outstanding job for this district," she said.
Berube said Berg's administrative qualifications coupled with his background in finance will be helpful in today's difficult fiscal environment. She said Berg was instrumental in the passage last year of Central Unified's $152 million general obligation bond, better known as Measure B.
Berg said he looks forward to the challenges of the new job.
Central Unified, which has more than 14,000 students, "is a dynamic, growing district and the city's general plan is pushing a lot of development in our direction," Berg said.
Among the most pressing issues Berg said he expects to deal with are ongoing budget issues and the district's growth.
Berg and his wife, Cheri, a second-grade teacher in Fresno, have two daughters.
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