Rick Schmitt named new high school district superintendent

The San Dieguito Union High School District announced May 9 that the school board has chosen internal candidate Rick Schmitt, currently deputy superintendent of the district, to replace retiring superintendent Ken Noah when he leaves the district June 30. The district spent two months and $26,000 on an executive search firm before selecting Schmitt.

District board president Barbara Groth said Schmitt bested two other highly qualified candidates, one from Southern California and one from Northern California. Upon announcing the decision to his cabinet, Noah reported that administrators gave Schmitt a resounding ovation.

Prior to his appointment as deputy superintendent, Schmitt was the associate superintendent of Educational Services for the district. Other positions held include principal of Torrey Pines High School, principal of Coronado High School in Coronado, Calif., and middle school principal of East Avenue Middle School, in Livermore, Calif.

Groth said, “We have been impressed by the caliber of the candidates that applied for the superintendent position. At the end of an extensive and thorough selection process, Mr. Schmitt’s dedication to educational excellence and professional accomplishments made him the board’s first choice; we look forward to working with him as our superintendent.”

Regarding outgoing Superintendent Ken Noah, Groth stated, “Our district has benefitted greatly from the leadership of Mr. Noah. He will be leaving with our respect and appreciation, and we wish him only the best in his retirement.”

The Board of Trustees will formally approve Schmitt’s appointment at the next board meeting on May 16. Schmitt will begin his new role as Superintendent of the San Dieguito Union High School District on July 1, 2013.