San Bernardino City Unified School District

Dr. Dale Marsden is superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, California’s 9th largest urban public school district serving a diverse student population comprised of 73% Latino and 14% African-American with a 91% poverty rate. The district serves over 50,000 students in 76 schools within a 98 square mile radius.

Dr. Marsden, a 20-year veteran educator has a proven track record of transforming education systems by focusing on a broad-based community engagement approach that has resulted in historic increases of graduation rates, 50% reduction of suspensions and citations, and robust career pathways that have students elementary through high school developing the skills and certifications necessary to succeed in both college and career.

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, and a master’s degree in Educational Administration, and a doctorate of education in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy from Pepperdine University. He and his wife, Laurie, have been happily married for over 25 years and have four lovely children.