SJ Unified chief to retire after 39 years in education

Amid education's worst fiscal crisis in decades, he's convinced teachers to work longer hours for less pay. He's overseen a steady rise in test scores in some of San Jose's lowest-performing schools. He arm-wrestled the state and won, in defining which schools — not his — should be labeled the worst of the worst.


Now San Jose Unified Superintendent Don Iglesias plans to retire from the South Bay's largest school district. The charismatic career educator says he is looking toward "jumping off the bullet train and onto a stagecoach."

Those who know him expect that stagecoach to steer a fast, careening course. After all, the man who calls himself "an adrenaline junkie" fed his habit during 39 years in education and at 61, doesn't look like he's about to slow down.

Iglesias works long days overseeing the 41-school district, advocating for education and visiting campuses, while making time to mentor students and surf, bicycle and restore old cars. Parents, employees and fellow administrators admire not only his ability to analyze and synthesize information but also his level head, graciousness and quick wit.

Iglesias joined San Jose Unified when education budgets nose-dived, just as the state and Uncle Sam ramped up demands for achievement and punishment for failure. He led the charge toward mastering skills and knowledge in the diverse district stretching from Mineta San Jose Airport to the Almaden Valley. http://www.mercurynews.com/education/ci_15199729?nclick_check=1