The Dysart Unified School District Governing Board voted unanimously on Oct. 27 to hire Dr. Jim Dean to serve as the next Dysart Schools superintendent.

Dean has been with Dysart since 2005, previously serving as acting superintendent, principal, director of public relations, assistant superintendent for human resources and assistant superintendent for support services.

He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Acacia University, masters in educational leadership from University of Phoenix and a bachelors in elementary education from Grand Canyon University.

“Dr. Dean is a proven leader with a wealth of excellent leadership experience which he has demonstrated throughout his seventeen years of employment with Dysart,” said Governing Board President Christine A.K. Pritchard. “In the six months that he has served in his interim role, Dr. Dean has revitalized the district’s commitment to academic accountability and school safety, while building an atmosphere of trust and collaboration with the Board, staff, and community. His expertise and professionalism during the recent transition in leadership helped to instill a sense of hope and confidence within the district and community, which was critical for Dysart’s continued success and stability. Dr. Dean is an asset to our district, and I look forward to the multitude of accomplishments that Dysart will experience under his leadership.”

The board entered into contract negotiations with Dean after its Oct. 6 meeting. At the Oct. 27 meeting, the board met privately in Executive Session to discuss the contract of employment, and voted 4-0, with one member absent, when the regular meeting resumed to approve the contract.

“It has been my greatest honor to serve this district for over 17 years now, and I appreciate the opportunity to continue to lead and work with our outstanding students, staff and community,” Dean said. “I look forward to carrying on the amazing work being done in our district.”

The governing board began the national search for a new superintendent in July.