In the shadow of surmounting concerns revolving around a controversial sermon he gave in 2016, Superintendent David Creswell sent an email to the Ventura Unified School District (Ventura Unified) staff informing them of his plans to work “with the school board on an exit plan that will include his resignation.” The email was sent at 2:58 p.m. on Nov. 30.
“I am proud of everything that I have said and done here in VUSD, and have enjoyed working with a gifted group of people,” Creswell wrote. “I know that you will continue to work for the future of every student.”
Multiple community members, students, Ventura Unified staff and parents have called for Creswell’s resignation, including School Board Vice President Mary Haffner and retired Ventura Unified administrator Michael Tapia.
Creswell’s resignation comes merely a year and a half after previous superintendent Michael Babb was relieved of his duties in May of 2017.
An official public statement from the district or Creswell himself has yet to be released.
Pamela • Feb 10, 2019 at 12:25 pm
I believe Cresswell was brought in without a thorough background search from the District because the board wanted Michael Babb out. Here are the consequences of those actions. If the district would have done a thorough background search on Cresswell, this would have come to light before he was hired. His sermon only took place a few months before he started working for Ventura Unified!!! How messed up is this??? You can’t tell me that one day Cresswell woke up and suddenly his views on LGBTQ changed! How could Cresswell lied his way to leading Ventura Unified when he feels this way towards students? I am sure that Ventura Unified knew he was an Elder and should have researched his background before bringing him on. If they just wanted Babb out, here are the consequences for Ventura Unified’s mistake and carelessness. Ventura Unified and the board also needs to take some blame!
Bill Henderson • Dec 30, 2018 at 9:56 pm
This guy has lied his way into this position and I’m surprised if he doesn’t try to lie his way out.
Frank • Dec 5, 2018 at 1:15 pm
I’ve heard great things about him but his words did a lot of damage that he would never have recovered from. LGBTQ+ youth deserve a superintendent that supports and valaue them fully. Creswell violated that trust by his vile words. His sermon was dehumanizing to those kids. He did the right thing for the district by resigning.
I’m personally at my wits end with all of his apologists saying it’s not a big deal and people should be able to say whatever they want. Imagine if he spoke the same way about minority students or those with disabilities. The way he spoke of these kids was so dismissive and heartless we should gladly take his resignation. We can do better and we deserve better.
Mack • Dec 1, 2018 at 12:12 pm
I too am VERY disappointed in the perceived agenda of the FTHS LGBT club/community. At a time when the LGBT community is demanding equality and acceptance it appears they cannot accept someone else’s values or comments like Mr Creswell’s. It’s too bad that people cannot voice their thoughts without someone going off the deep-end with it. It’s time for everyone to cool their heads and start showing some love, forgiveness. Acceptance and patience to all!
Anonymous • Nov 30, 2018 at 4:05 pm
Absolutely dumbfounded. Creswell has been a blessing in our district. I have a feeling that a particular student found this sermon only to make Creswell look bad. I’m very upset.