Utah state superintendent to step down this summer

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson is stepping down after a 44-year-long career in public education.

“The announcement was met with surprise. People in our agency love working with Superintendent Dickson and her dedication to education,” said Ryan Bartlett, Utah State Board of Education director of communications.

Dickson has held the position of superintendent since 2016, which is longer than average in the state of Utah. She will officially end her tenure at the end of June.

“She’s been involved in public education for over 44 years; from a school teacher to a counselor, to a school and district administrator, [and] various roles within the State Board of Education, including her current role. And so she just felt that it was time,” said Bartlett.

The Board of Education will now begin the search for her replacement.

“She’s highly admired throughout the state by our superintendents and charter school directors and educators. So these are some big shoes to fill,” said Bartlett.

A statement from the State Board of Education highlighted some of Dickson’s achievements as superintendent:

During her tenure, Superintendent Dickson has championed transformative initiatives that have shaped education in Utah, including increased funding for early learning, expanded access to full-day kindergarten, and a prioritization of early literacy development. Under her leadership, professional learning and support for educators have been significantly enhanced, technology has been integrated to enrich classroom learning, and dual language immersion programs have flourished. 

Dr. Dickson also played a pivotal role in the creation of Utah’s Portrait of a Graduate, a visionary framework that prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to succeed in life, work, and citizenship. Additionally, she championed personalized, competency-based learning, ensuring that education is tailored to meet the individual needs and pace of every student. Renowned for her collaborative leadership, she has engaged community partners, united diverse stakeholders, and remained steadfastly mission-driven in her commitment to excellence in education.”

In a statement, Dickson said it’s been an honor to serve.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the students, educators, and families of Utah. I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished together to improve educational outcomes and opportunities for all children,” said Dickson.

Britt Johnson is a reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio.  

Related:

• Park City’s Winter Sports School to undergo major expansion
• Judge says Utah high schools can’t restrict play of international students