Upland Unified Superintendent Resigns with District to Accept New Job

Upland Unified School District is searching for a new superintendent after the school board accepted the resignation this week of Dr. Gary Rutherford.

Rutherford, who was appointed superintendent in 2005, resigned Tuesday, effective Jan. 15.

Come that date, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Sherri Black will take on the role of interim superintendent, through June 30, 2013-- "or until the new Superintendent commences service," according  to the school board agenda.

"It's been my privilege and honor to serve in this wonderful community from that very first day," Rutherford said in a podcast posted to the district site this week.  "And now, a new opportunity has presented itself.  Last night, the board of eduction accepted my resignation in order for me to become superintendent of the Desert Sands Unified School District, effective in the new year.  As you might guess, it's with mixed emotions that I made this decision.  While I will deeply miss my many friends and colleagues, I leave with enormous pride in our shared accomplishments of the past eight years."

Rutherford will be making approximately $40,000 more a year at the position with Desert Sands.  

According to his contract with DSUSD, he'll be getting a base salary of $242,000.  State data indicates that he was paid $202,030 at Upland Unified in 2012.

"The Upland Unified School District is widely recognized as a prestige school district in the state of California, and I'll forever be grateful and proud to have been your superintendent," Rutherford said to the people of Upland Unified in that podcast. 

"...And so it's with a grateful heart that I make this personal and professional move.  If you ever find yourself visiting one of our beautiful desert resorts, please make it a point to drop by and say hello to the Rutherfords and you'll be welcomed with open arms."