The Florence Unified School District has hired a new Director of Exceptional Student Services – and he’s a former FUSD student.

Eric Turner attended middle and high school in Florence and said he is excited to return to his roots, according to a FUSD press release.

For the past 27 years, Turner has worked in the field of special education in multiple districts across Arizona. He was an assistant director and principal with Mesa Public Schools, an assistant. director with the Tucson Unified School District and has been a special education teacher for 16 years.

“I welcome back Mr. Eric Turner to his FUSD roots. Our staff is eager to begin collaborating with him to discover ways to connect with our exceptional students," FUSD Superintendent Chris Knutsen stated in the release. “His leadership will provide students, staff and families with useful strategies and tools needed for academic and social success while at FUSD and in their future.”

Turner received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as his principal certificate, from the University of Arizona.

Turner believes in supporting children to become confident, capable members of society by inspiring and empowering their lives, so they are excited and motivated to learn.

Turner has a wife and three grown children, two of whom graduated from Poston Butte High School. In his spare time, Turner enjoys camping and attending athletic events.