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Dr. Joseph M. Farley
Being a highly skilled and respected instructional leader who can tackle complex challenges, while maintaining positive relationships, led to Dr. Joseph M. Farley’s selection as Superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District, say Trustees and local educators.
CUSD Board President Anna Bryson said Dr. Farley was selected after a nationwide search for a superintendent who would be supported by “those who agree with our Trustees, and those who do not.” President Bryson and Trustee Jack Brick met Thursday with a cross section of Dr. Farley’s colleagues, all of whom described him as the ideal match for the demands of the Capistrano position. “They described a leader of rare caliber who inspires them to achieve on behalf of students,” President Bryson said.
“We found a leader who will bring the focus back to academic achievement and guide it even beyond the next level,” President Bryson said. “I am so proud of our choice of a great educational leader who will make certain that policies are followed, and re-create a true education environment where young children grow into their intellects and the focus is on preparing them for life.”
Dr. Farley is credited with resolving significant instructional, fiscal, and public relations issues during his five years as Superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District.
There was a need for decisive leadership in Anaheim when Dr. Farley became the first superintendent to ever be hired from outside the ranks of the large high school district. There had been three superintendents during the preceding three years, public confidence in the system was at an all-time low, and a $257 million construction project was in the red. A few weeks after he started, the Orange County Grand Jury announced its intent to investigate the district’s bond funding and oversight of bond-funded construction.
After his first year on the job, the leadership team he assembled was being described as turn-around experts, and the Grand Jury cited their work as a model for other school systems to emulate.
Even representatives from the California Teachers Association describe him as a perfect match for the job of helping Capistrano schools move forward.
“Capistrano has hired a marvelous Superintendent,” said Mr. George Woods, Executive Director of Teachers United, which provides support to the Anaheim Secondary Teachers Association and six other local teacher unions. “He is a visionary Superintendent. He changed many practices in the AUHSD and literally transformed it, even during this budget crisis. The people in Capistrano now have the chance to recover from what’s happened there, and they hired the right person to help them do that.”
Dr. Farley is recognized as a strong and decisive instructional leader who creates solid, supportive relationships with staff and community.
“Joe Farley is a collaborative and transparent leader who has done an incredible job in Anaheim,” said Mr. William H. Habermehl, Orange County Superintendent of Schools. “I’m thrilled that he’s staying in Orange County, where all of us in the educational community can continue to benefit from his knowledge and expertise.”
Dr. Farley was Deputy Superintendent in the Oceanside Unified School District for nearly a decade, where he and Superintendent Kenneth A. Noonan helped transform that school system from one of San Diego County’s lowest performing to one of the most respected. Mr. Noonan, who was subsequently appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to the State Board of Education, described Dr. Farley as one of the state’s most talented education leaders.
“Dr. Farley has provided strong leadership over the past five years, during very difficult times,” said AUHSD Board President Brian O’Neal. “I know he will continue to be an outstanding leader in his new role at Capistrano Unified.”
Dr. Farley, who signed a four year contract, said CUSD Trustees agreed that stability in the superintendency will be important for the district, as all California school systems contend with the most difficult financial conditions many have encountered.
“We worked together well to resolve issues,” said Mr. Thomas “Hoagy” Holguin, AUHSD Board member. “The fact that we worked so well together placed us on the road to success. I’m proud we were able to accomplish so much in such a short time.”
Additional Background Information
– Dr. Farley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a double major in journalism and Spanish, from La Verne College. He holds a master’s degree in educational administration from San Diego State University, an education specialist degree from Point Loma College, and a doctorate in educational leadership, with an emphasis on research, evaluation, and statistics, from Northern Arizona University.
– Dr. Farley also attended the University of Spain in Valencia, Spain, where all of his courses were conducted in Spanish.
– Dr. Farley literally “worked his way through” undergraduate school while working as a newspaper reporter for the Riverside Press-Enterprise and the Pomona Progress Bulletin, where he covered city government and education. He subsequently became a high school journalism and English teacher.
– Dr. Farley has held virtually every position from classroom teacher to superintendent, having served as teacher, director, coordinator, assistant superintendent for instruction, assistant superintendent for human resources, deputy superintendent, and superintendent.
– Dr. Farley was an adjunct professor for many years at San Diego State University and California State University, San Marcos, teaching graduate level courses in educational leadership, school law, and personnel management for students who were completing this coursework for administrative credentials.
– Dr. Farley is actively sought for his expertise in instruction and leadership, as a presenter and resource by school districts, universities, and educational groups from throughout the country.
