SAN MARCOS - Bill Singh, the assistant principal at Mission Hills High, has been named coordinator for the San Marcos Unified School District's "Partnership for Success" program, officials said Tuesday.

Singh was handpicked by Superintendent Kevin Holt, who said Singh's 22-year history with the district distinguished him as a leader and ideal candidate for the job.

"Bill was a natural choice for me," said Holt. "He is someone who is well respected and well connected in the community."

San Marcos Unified trustees approved the coordinator's position last month at their monthly meeting, after the idea was put to them for the second time.

Trustees split on a proposal for a coordinator last year that was brought forward by former Superintendent Ed Brand. Brand created the "Partnership for Success" program, which guarantees admission to Cal State San Marcos for students who meet basic college requirements starting with the class of 2009.

At the time, three of the five board members said the district could not afford to pay for the position.

Officials, however, have continued to promote the program with the help of Cal State San Marcos officials, but have stalled on approving a coordinator's position because of the financial concerns.

Holt said officials have decided to pay for the position, which offers a salary ranging from $90,167 to $104,032, by using money that receive annually from the state for innovative programs.

On Tuesday, Singh said he was excited to have been chosen for the position.

"The partnership is a fantastic concept that we have to make a reality," said Singh, who began his career as a teacher in the San Marcos Unified School District in 1986.

Singh said he will begin his new job in July.

The first thing on his agenda is to reach out to the local business community to replace a $500,000 donation from Poway couple Bill and Carol Stensrud for the Partnership for Success program. The Stensruds pledged the money to help support the program, but then decided not to grant it mainly because the program did not have a coordinator.

"We are going to get things in place and get the business community to help create a collegegoing culture in San Marcos," said Singh.

Singh's duties will include assisting district administration in the planning, coordination and design of the program.

He will also help with the development of activities, help officials create access to college and career opportunities for high school students, and work as a facilitator with Cal State San Marcos and the Chamber of Commerce to manage the finances and organization of the partnership.

"We are going to give all students in San Marcos the opportunity to go to a great university," said Singh. "This is a huge opportunity for us to make a difference."

- Contact staff writer Brenda Duran at (760) 761-4408 or bduran@nctimes.com.