School district finds replacement for deputy superintendent
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

With Deputy Superintendent Richard Simpson's retirement approaching and one candidate already having declined the position, many were wondering who's going to fill Simpson's shoes.

But at last week's Conejo Valley Unified School District board meeting, a replacement was finally named, one who said she's looking forward to taking over for Simpson.

Janet Cosaro, currently the director of curriculum/educational media for CVUSD, has been promoted to assistant superintendent of instructional services.

"I'm excited to accept this challenge," Cosaro said. "I've worked in elementary, middle school and most recently secondary school, so I'm well rounded and have a sort of global perspective. I'm looking forward to stepping in and doing more great things for this district."

Cosaro said she leans on what she calls "the three Cs": communication, collaboration and commitment.

"It really takes all three to keep that culture going, to keep the focus on learning and to get kids to reach their optimum potential," Cosaro said. "I do believe this district does attract individuals who have high expectations for themselves and their students. To keep learning at the forefront in a district that's done so well and made growth everywhere we look, it's always a challenge to keep on that path."

Simpson spent more than 25 years with the district. His last day will be Fri., June 29.

Superintendent Mario Contini called Simpson "the rock of Gibraltar" and a "wise mentor" at the June 12 televised board meeting. Board member Patricia Phelps wept while vice president Dorothy Beaubien referred to Simpson as an "institution."

"Enjoy your retirement, but know you will truly be missed," Beaubien said.

Cosaro acknowledged it won't be easy to fill the void left by Simpson.

"I'm honored and quite humbled to have this opportunity," Cosaro said. "(Simpson's) been such a wonderful mentor. I've called him an icon.

"A gap will need to be filled," Cosaro added. "I think it will take several of us to fill his shoes."

Cosaro has worked for the district since 1999, when she was hired as the coordinator for special education. She went on to serve as assistant principal at Lang Ranch and principal of Ladera Elementary in 2001 and 2002, respectively. In 2004, Cosaro was appointed director of special education and in 2006 was promoted to her current position.

Cosaro had previously worked as a speech and language pathologist in Las Virgenes Unified School District.

She has a master's in communicative disorders and a bachelor's in speech pathology, both from Cal State Northridge.