The Covina-Valley Unified School District Board of Education appointed Jonathan Blackmore as its interim superintendent after a July 10 meeting, the district announced on Friday.

The district plans to conduct a search for a permanent superintendent in the coming months, while Blackmore occupies the position.

“Covina-Valley Unified has a long-standing tradition of excellence, and I am honored to continue that legacy as interim superintendent,” Blackmore said.

Covina-Valley Unified School District serves more than 11,000 students from kindergarten through 12th-grade, with 19 school and adult education facilities across Covina, West Covina, Glendora, San Dimas and Irwindale.

Before assuming the district’s top post, Blackmore has spent over a decade with the district, holding the titles of Director of Communications, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Director of 21st Century Learning and Special Projects and Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

And prior to his tenure in Covina-Valley Unified, he served as a high school principal, assistant principal, counselor and English teacher.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing from Cal State Long Beach, a master’s degree in educational administration from CSU Dominguez Hills and a doctorate in educational leadership from USC.

Blackmore’s appointment comes on the heels of the firing of former superintendent Elizabeth Eminhizer.

The Board of Education of the Covina-Valley unified school district voted 3-1 during a July 7 closed-session meeting to terminate Eminhizer, with trustee Sue Maulucci opposed and Eminhizer abstaining from the vote.

Eminhizer was set to be recognized this month in Washington, D.C., as one of 25 Superintendents to Watch, chosen among 70 nominees nationwide by the National School Public Relations Association.

Honorees are school district leaders who have fewer than five years experience as a superintendent and who are dynamic leaders with strong communication skills, according to the association.

Eminhizer was unanimously voted to the post in June 2020, after serving for six years as assistant superintendent of educational services.

She joined the district in 2011 as director of educational services.

The Board of Education will begin the search process for a new superintendent later this year, planning to “seek input from staff, families and all members of the Covina-Valley community,” it said in a statement.

A permanent superintendent is expected to be inducted July 1 next year, before the 2026-27 school year.

“Our focus remains to ensure every student is supported, challenged and inspired to reach their full potential,” Blackmore said. “I look forward to working closely with our Board, students, staff, families and community during this transition period.”