ROMER: OPERATING OFFICER IS OUT.

Byline: Jennifer Radcliffe Staff Writer

Superintendent Roy Romer announced Friday he will not extend the contract of Operating Officer Tim Buresh beyond the summer - making him the third top Los Angeles Unified School District official to vacate his post this week.

Labor attorney Richard Fisher and Inspector General Don Mullinax announced their resignations from the earlier in the week. Mullinax, 47, said he will seek a job in the private sector at an accounting or consulting firm.

Romer denied the departure of three high-ranking officials - budgeted at a combined $655,000 a year - represented a shake-up at the top management of the nation's second largest school district.

``These thing happened simultaneously,'' he said. ``They don't have any connection.''

Buresh, who couldn't be reached for comment Friday, earned $235,000 a year. He was handpicked by Romer in January 2003 for his expertise in the construction industry and played a pivotal role in resurrecting the troubled Belmont Learning Center project.

Romer said he wants someone more familiar with school-site challenges in that high-ranking position.

``Tim served us well. He's a very able man. He served a function, but I think I need a different kind of leadership now. Everything has its time and its season.''

In his two years on the job, Buresh was known for pointing out systematic flaws with LAUSD's procedures. He criticized spending habits and antiquated technology.

During Mullinax's six years as inspector general, the office issued about 500 reports and saved the district roughly $425 million, he said.

Mullinax, who earned $150,000 a year, said that after years in the Department of Defense and on Capitol Hill, he looks forward to entering the private sector.

``If I don't do it now, I'll never do it. It was the right time,'' he said.

Mullinax said he was tired of being the target of constant criticism from top district leaders

``There were weekly struggles of defending our existence. Someone's always coming after us and attacking us,'' he said. ``Everybody says they're for accountability until they're the ones being held accountable.''

He added: ``If people are happy to get rid of me because I promoted accountability and ethics and integrity, then I can sleep well.''

Mullinax said it would be a grave mistake for power to be taken away from the office.

Top LAUSD officials plan to meet next week to discuss the future of the office.

Board member Jon Lauritzen said he expects its powers to remain intact, although he said he might support a downsizing.

About 60 full-time workers and 50 contractors work in the office.

``We may trim the office down a little bit. It was growing faster than anyone expected,'' he said. ``But there's not anyone on the board that doesn't feel it's an important office.''