SUPERINTENDENT READY TO RETIRE DEPASQUALE SET TO LEAVE IN MARCH.

Byline: Angie Valencia-Martinez Staff Writer

MOORPARK - Schools Superintendent Frank DePasquale, seen as somewhat of a bridge-builder between the school district and community, will retire in March after 25 years as the area's chief educator.

DePasquale submitted his letter of retirement last week to the board of the Moorpark School District.

His decision to leave the school system is based on a desire to spend time with his wife, Diann, and family, he said, plus ``the time is right.''

``There's a certain point in your career when the voice inside you says, now is time,'' said the Ventura resident, an educator for 35 years. ``I am very fortunate to be able to exit when things are going so well.''

DePasquale said he takes pride in leaving at a time when many of the Measure R $33 million bond projects are near completion, the district's 11 schools are functioning at a high academic level and many have received Distinguished School and Blue Ribbon School honors.

Moorpark schools surpassed the state's Academic Performance Index target with an overall score of 803.

The district will likely run under an interim superintendent for a short period, DePasquale said, but he expects the five-member board to appoint a new person to the post by September.

Trustee David Pollock said board members were caught by surprise and will be sorting through their options as they begin the hiring process.

``We were all shocked,'' he said. ``We weren't expecting him to retire so soon, but understand his reasons.

``It's safe to say the board is wanting to continue the momentum. We like the direction Frank has the district going and want nothing less.''

DePasquale began his career in Moorpark as principal of Flory Elementary School (now a magnet) in 1981. In 1987, he was named Campus Canyon School principal, and assistant superintendent of instruction in 1992. He was named superintendent in March 2000.

Through the years, he saw the district flourish from 2,000 students to more than 7,600, Moorpark High School go on to claim Academic Decathlon state and national titles, and The High School at Moorpark College program established.

For now, the father of two looks forward to being with his family, doing some traveling and teaching at the university level.

But he'll still be around from time to time.

``I'll be around for the big events,'' he said, adding that he'll miss the excitement of football games and the Academic Decathlon competition. ``I'll always have fond memories of Moorpark and leave a piece of my heart here.''

Moorpark Mayor Pat Hunter said DePasquale's retirement will create a void not easily filled.

``He clearly understands that our children represent our greatest investment,'' he said. ``He will leave with my respect, my admiration and my sincerest appreciation on a job well done.''

Angie Valencia-Martinez, [phone]

angie.valencia(at)dailynews.com