WESTMINSTER SCHOOL DISTRICT headquarters (OC Tribune photo).

Charles Hinman, who served as superintendent at two school districts, has been hired as interim superintendent for the Westminster School District.

The WSD Board of Trustees approved his contract at its meeting on Thursday night.

CHARLES HINMAN

Hinman has served as the top educator for the Newport-Mesa Unified School District and West Covina Unified School District. Earlier this year, he was interim superintendent for the Fountain Valley School District while a search was made to fill the superintendent job on a permanent basis.

“His references were fantastic,” said Trustee David Johnson. “He’s very experienced. Trustees in other districts say that he was able to take them to another level. He’s very competent: a leader who’s knowledgable, wise and understanding.”

Hinman is expected to serve for about three months while the search is conducted to fill the superintendent post vacated by Cynthia Paik, who resigned early this month “due to personal reasons.”

Hinman has a B.A. degree in history from Montana State University, a M.A. in education from United States International University in San Diego and a doctorate in education from the University of Southern California.