Dr. Dale Marsden is superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, California’s 10th largest urban public school district, which serves a diverse student population comprised of 73 percent Latino and 14 percent African-American students and a 91 percent poverty rate. The District serves over 50,000 students in 73 schools across a 98-square-mile radius.
Dr. Marsden is a veteran educator with a proven track record of transforming educational systems by focusing on a broad-based community engagement approach that has resulted in historic increases of graduation rates, 50 percent reduction of suspensions and citations, and the creation of robust career pathways that have students in elementary through high school developing the skills and certifications necessary to succeed in both college and careers. For 2016-17, SBCUSD achieved an 89% graduation rate, surpassing the county, state and national average.
Under his leadership, the District has become a catalyst to lead the City of San Bernardino beyond bankruptcy to a community of excellence. Much of Dr. Marsden’s current efforts are working in tandem with Gallup, Inc. to evaluate community-wide measures of Hope, Engagement, and Well-Being to ensure thriving schools and community.
Dr. Marsden earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, San Bernardino in Liberal Studies with a minor in mathematics, a master’s degree in Educational Administration, and a doctorate of education in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy from Pepperdine University. In 2018, he was named a national Leader to Learn From by Education Week.
About the District
The San Bernardino City Unified School District serves approximately 50,000 students and is the eighth-largest school district in California. Two schools, Richardson PREP HI Middle School and Middle College High School, were named National Blue Ribbon Schools and the Distirct has 16 California Distinguished Schools.
The District is comprised of 50 elementary, 11 middle, 8 high schools, and one adult school. This includes 2 alternative schools, 1 community day school, and Anderson School to serve our diverse students.