ROWLAND USD BOARD NAMES RUBEN FRUTOS AS SUPERINTENDENT

ROWLAND HEIGHTS, CA – MARCH 13, 2013 – Last night, the Rowland Unified School District Board of Education appointed Ruben P. Frutos as the District’s new Superintendent. Frutos has served as Interim Superintendent since September 1, 2012, after the retirement of Dr. Maria Ott.

             In his congratulatory comments, Board President Cary Chen stated that the Board has set high expectations for Frutos both in the business and academic areas. He encouraged Frutos to garner the expertise of his administrative team to lead the District. Vice President Robert Hidalgo noted that Frutos will continue the Board’s vision “to keep kids first.” Board Clerk Dr. Gilbert García stated that changes are expected and that the District will focus on growth, accountability and leadership, and closing the achievement gap for all students. He added that the late Dr. Stanley G. Oswalt, who served Rowland Unified as Superintendent for 17 years, also had a business background.

            Frutos has spent more than 24 years in the operations of both large and small school districts, including the San Diego County Office of Education. While serving as Assistant Superintendent in Calexico USD, Frutos was instrumental in expanding middle school student exposure to career fields such as bio-technology, civil engineering, and medicine, which were outside the District’s normal career path interests.

            Before joining Rowland Unified in 2010, Frutos served as Assistant Superintendent of Business Services/CBO in West Covina Unified, South Pasadena Unified, Calexico Unified, and Los Alamitos Unified. He served as a member of the negotiations team and Superintendent’s cabinet in all Districts. He has experience with charter school development and implementation.

            As Deputy Superintendent of Administrative Services in Rowland, Frutos has overseen all district administrative operations, including finance, accounting, risk management, facilities, maintenance and operations, technology, police services, and food services. Frutos is known for his ability to maximize resources and garner new sources of funding. He has successfully accelerated the District’s Measure R school modernization and new construction program, and was instrumental in the passage of the $158 Million Measure R 2012 Bond.

            With a minor in Computer Engineering from University of California, San Diego, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Statistical Analysis) from San Diego State University, Frutos used his technical and analytical talents to serve 43 school districts in San Diego County as Business Advisory Services Analyst for San Diego County Office of Education. Frutos holds a Masters in Public Administration, with an emphasis in Public Finance, from San Diego State University.