Los Angeles Unified School District Deputy Superintendent John Deasy will serve as the district's next superintendent starting April 15.
The LAUSD Board of Education selected Deasy, 50, with a vote of 6-0, with Board Member Steve Zimmer abstaining, according to a LAUSD news release.
"Today, this District is facing profound challenges in the form of a major state economic crisis which results in a monumental educational crisis, but I believe there's hope," said Deasy.
"We will continue to dramatically improve student achievement because students have shown us that they can do it and, secondly, because we have the leadership, teaching, and support staff employees who are dedicated, smart and willing to do anything to help our youth," he said.
Deasy's annual salary will be $330,000. His three-year contract includes a company car and driver, according to LAUSD. The contract does not include a buyout clause; termination would require 30-days notice, according to LAUSD.
Deasy joined LAUSD in July 2010.
"John Deasy is the right person for this job and the Los Angeles Unified School District is lucky to have him. John understands the unique challenges facing the LAUSD and has already benefitted from on-the-job training as Deputy Superintendent," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
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"John understands the urgency of the challenge and he has the courage to make the needed changes to better serve students. L.A. is lucky to have him," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
The current superintendent, Ramon Cortines, is retiring this spring.
"I would also like to thank retiring Superintendent Ramon Cortines for his decades of leadership and commitment to the students of Los Angeles. Superintendent Cortines and the School Board have done a wonderful job to ensure that there is a seamless transition of leadership at the District and a sustained commitment to reforming our schools. They have made the best decision for our children and our schools by selecting John Deasy for this position," Villaraigosa said.
Deasy's full bio has been posted on the mayor's website.
