San Juan School District

Bret Jacobsen
District
Library Supervisor
Bret is currently our Library Supervisor for all 12 schools. He has been instrumental in helping the district keep our libraries current and highly effective. He is always positive and willing to learn. He keeps current in his field and works diligently to see our librarians are also current in today’s expectations. He is a tremendous team player and has been a very valuable member of our district team. And we knew Bret was doing a great job when 4 of his 12 librarians are being recognized as well.

Doug Wright
District
Superintendent
Superintendent Wright is a product of San Juan School District and his 34-year career has been devoted to this district. He grew up in Monticello and graduated from Monticello High School and returned to teach English and then became the vice principal. After earning his doctorate degree from Utah State University, he accepted the position of Human Resources Director at the district level. Then, in 2002, he was selected to be the Superintendent.
The average tenure of a superintendent is 3 years. Dr. Wright has successfully weathered this high-stress position for 14 years, a testament to his ability to navigate increasingly complex educational, legal, and political systems. He has a keen ability to analyze multifaceted issues and chart a safe course for our district. During his time as Superintendent, our district has undergone significant change and has had a never ceasing goal of improvement of student learning. Under his direction our schools have worked diligently to improve instruction and support systems and have been at times recognized at the state and national level.
Superintendent Wright, along with former Business Administrator, Clayton Holt managed to take our district from a dismal financial situation to one of the best in the state if not the nation. Our district has been able to replace and remodel school buildings at an aggressive schedule while remaining debt free. The district’s financial stability is remarkable and always praised by our outside auditors.
Historically, San Juan District has been involved in several major lawsuits focused on equity of services for minority students. Superintendent Wright has been successful in resolving issues and kept the district out of court, saving dollars that could have been spent on legal fees and instead are used for students.
Over the past 14 years, Superintendent Wright has overseen serious emergency situations including: school shutdowns because of snow, muddy roads, loss of electricity and water systems; a carbon monoxide leak which forced an evacuation at Montezuma Creek Elementary School, and resulted in the hospitalization of 25 people; and an unstable bus-drive who kidnapped 12 students taking them for a wild dangerous rider. In every case, Superintendent Wright has made good decisions, and directed school and support personnel with the goal of keeping every student and employee safe.
Superintendent Wright has set a high bar for his successor. His competence and his deep love for San Juan and its students will always be remembered. We will miss him and wish him the best in his new endeavors.