The move brings with it more than 35 years of experience in the Hart District.

The new assistant superintendent of human resources and student services at the  William S. Hart Union High School District is no newcomer to district operations.

Robert Gapper, the district’s current chief operations officer, has been appointed by the Governing Board to replace current assistant superintendent Rochelle Neal, who is retiring in January.

“My responsibilities as the Chief Operations Officer have allowed me to develop essential skills in working with members of the Governing Board and site administrators on District procedures, policy and accountability issues,” Gapper commented. “I seek to make greater contributions to the instructional program through a new role in human resources.”

Gapper first joined the Hart District staff in 1974, serving as a teacher at Arroyo Seco Junior High and Hart High School for 10 years.

He was named supervisor of Vocational Education/Regional Occupational Program for the district in 1989, transferring to supervisor of facility planning in 1991 and serving in that capacity until 1993.

From 1993 to 1997 he served as Assistant Principal at Placerita Junior High and Valencia and Hart high schools.

Gapper was promoted to Principal of Placerita in 1997, where he served until 2006, when he was named the district’s Chief Operations Officer.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology and art and a master’s degree in educational administration from California State University, Los Angeles.

He also has completed a number of programs on curriculum and instruction, personnel and administrative practices through the Association of California School Administrators.

Gapper has served on the Hart District’s negotiating team for five years.

“Rob will be a wonderful addition to the Human Resources Department,” Neal remarked. “He is a highly accomplished and respected district administrator. Rob brings outstanding interpersonal skills to this position. If there ever were a Hart District Administrator’s Hall of Fame, no doubt Rob’s picture would be on that wall!”

Gapper’s appointment will be effective January 19, 2010.