A former Capistrano Unified School District superintendent was confirmed as the next leader of Grossmont Union High School District at a Tuesday evening board meeting, as the district’s governing board faces growing scrutiny over other recent decisions.
Kirsten Vital Brulte, who will start July 1, was most recently the superintendent of Orange County’s largest school district and before that led Alameda Unified. Her decades-long career has also included work with Los Angeles Unified and Oakland Unified.
Vital Brulte didn’t attend Tuesday’s meeting, due to a long-planned trip overseas, but addressed the community via a recorded video played there, spokesperson Collin McGlashen said.
In the message, Vital Brulte acknowledged it’s a “very challenging time” for the district.
“But in every difficult chapter I’ve helped navigate, I’ve seen that progress comes through close collaboration that includes working alongside educators, classified staff, families, students and our bargaining group leaders,” she said.
She cited her work helping return Oakland to local control and reopening schools in Capistrano Unified earlier than most districts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That spirit of collaboration is central to the Grossmont Union High School District, and it’s how I intend to lead — together,” she said. “In pursuit of ensuring every student is seen, ed and empowered to build the best future.”
She also thanked the board for her position and said she would listen to public comment at the earliest opportunity.
“It hasn’t taken me long to see that Grossmont Union High School District is an extraordinary place, home to world-class educators, dedicated staff, award-winning academic programs and a rich tradition of athletic and artistic excellence.”
The district has had unusually high turnover in superintendents in recent years. Most recently, former Superintendent Mike Fowler stepped down for medical reasons.
Since he began treatment for a brain tumor, the district had two interim leaders. The latter, Sandra Huezo, is now the formal superintendent until Vital Brulte takes over.
The board has also faced lawsuits from s in recent years, including one who says she faced anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination.
It has also faced fierce criticism in recent months for cutting dozens of school staff, and for creating a top leadership role for a former educator who had resigned under pressure years earlier after being accused of making racist and other offensive remarks in the classroom.
