County schools superintendent resigns County schools superintendent resigns (December 28, 2005)

With about a year left in his first term as San Mateo County superintendent of schools, John Mehl resigned last week after a 40-year career in education.

Mr. Mehl, whose term expires in January 2007, resigned December 20 to "pursue new directions," said his assistant, Tom Fitzpatrick, in a press release. The job is a four-year elective position.

At its regular meeting December 21, the county Board of Education named Associate Superintendent Jean Holbrook from the county education office's Instructional Services Division to serve as interim superintendent while a search begins for a permanent replacement for Mr. Mehl, said Mr. Fitzpatrick.

The superintendent heads the county Office of Education, which both supports and regulates local school districts.

County office services include financial audits, legal assistance, defining a district's boundaries and setting standards for teacher credentials. The office also offers staff training and educates children with special needs and those under court supervision.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.