January 15, 1999

 

Fisher to join County Office

 

Dr. Lawrence A. Fisher, superintendent/principal of Cold Spring School District, was named director of career and youth employment programs at the Santa Barbara County Education Office. He replaces Dr. Mary Scopatz, who announced her retirement after 22 years.

"We feel extremely fortunate that Art Fisher has agreed to direct our career and youth employment programs," said County Superintendent Bill Cirone.

"It's obvious that school-to-career programs have taken on an increasingly significant role in public education. It is vital to create a seamless system at every level to help prepare young people for the life they will live after they finish their formal education," he said.

Consortiums in Santa Barbara County work toward that purpose, with over $1 million in funding for programs that fill this need.

Said Cirone: "Dr. Mary Scopatz has been an undisputed leader in this area by directing these programs, and her retirement leaves a great void. We have been seeking an educational leader who would continue--and expand on--the important focus of these programs. Art Fisher is the perfect individual for this position, bringing with him a combination of personal and professional skills that are ideally suited for these new countywide responsibilities."

Dr. Fisher received his doctorate in educational management from the University of La Verne, his master's degree in educational management from Chapman College, and his undergraduate degree in biological sciences and social studies from the University of California at Berkeley.

Prior to his superintendency at Cold Spring he served as principal at El Morro Elementary School and as principal of the summer school at Laguna Beach Unified School District. He also served as high school activities director at Laguna Beach High School. His teaching experience includes service at Thurston Intermediate School and Portola Valley School.

Under Dr. Fisher's leadership the Cold Spring district earned a California Blue Ribbon School Award, passed a school bond and mounted a capital campaign that led to the construction of a new library/learning center plus a Gazebo Art Area. The school was one of the first to be involved with the Adopt-A-School program, involving six partners. Fisher has been director of that program since 1984.

"We are delighted he has agreed to join us and use his skills countywide," said Cirone.