By KATHERINE ROSENBERG
Editor
LUCERNE VALLEY — The Lucerne Valley Unified School District Board has appointed an interim Superintendent to fill the vacancy left by former Superintendent Dr. Jim Buckley.
School Board members would not say whether Buckley resigned or was terminated from his position, and did not disclose any details surrounding his departure, citing privacy regulations.
Rudy Macioge, EdD was named the interim Superintendent at the most recent Lucerne Valley Unified School District Board meeting, according to Board Member Jean Morgan.
Macioge had retired from his position as Superintendent of Schools for the Big Bear Unified School District but has continued to offer his expertise to education and his community, Morgan said.
He served as the Coordinator of Distant Learning at Valley Community College, served as a consultant for San Bernardino County Schools, an adjunct professor at the University of California at San Bernardino, and sits on the Big Bear Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, she added.
“He has one of the best reputations, and this is the first interim job he’s taken,” Morgan said. “We’re very fortunate to have him come down here. He’ll be here as long as it takes, but no longer than a year. Once we’re established and have a momentum going, we’ll go out and search for a permanent Superintendent.”
Macioge lives in Big Bear, but owns property in Lucerne Valley and has many business and personal ties there. Already knowing the community and its people greatly influenced his decision to accept the interim position, according to the Board.
“This small home town is known for its community involvement and friendly people,” Macioge said. He plans to take advantage of those traits as he works with the staff and parents.

Katherine Rosenberg can be reached at 248-7878 or by e-mail at krosenberg@vvdailypress.com.