After two years in the position, Palm Springs Unified School District’s superintendent announced his resignation on Monday.
Driving the news: Dr. Mike Swize, who first stepped into the superintendent’s role in July 2021 after serving as PSUSD’s assistant superintendent of educational services starting in 2011, has been appointed superintendent at the Perris Elementary School District. He replaces Jean Marie Frey, who held the position for the past six years.
Background: Swize has spent his entire 33-year career with PSUSD and has served as a teacher, bilingual programs coordinator, elementary and middle school principal and director of English Learners and Elementary Curriculum.
- “It is with mixed emotions that I make this decision to leave the district I have been with my entire career,” said Swize. “I could not be prouder of the amazing work we have done as a district, and I could not be more grateful to have been part of the executive leadership team for the past 13 years.”
What they’re saying: “Dr. Swize has been a respected, innovative leader for many years here in the Palm Springs Unified School District, and his contributions are greatly valued and appreciated by the Board of Education, administration, staff, families, community members, and, most of all, our students,” said PSUSD Board of Education, President John Gerardi.
What to watch: District officials have not said when Swize will officially leave the position and are yet to announce who will be stepping into the role while a new superintendent is hired.
