Joseph Clevenger Joins SDCOE Student Services and Programs

Joseph Clevenger joins the San Diego County Office of Education as assistant superintendent of student services and programs, a broad team that leads student safety and well-being, and includes Juvenile Court and Community Schools and special education services.  

Clevenger comes most recently from Bonsall Unified School District, where as superintendent he was a successful and experienced educational leader with a passion for building strong teams and impactful culture. His energy and positivity was vital to the way he approached his work to create environments that support the whole child. He was well known for excellent communication – in English and Spanish – and collaboration with students, staff, parents, and the community.

As a sitting superintendent, Clevenger is intimately familiar with SDCOE’s services to school districts. He is currently governing chair for the North Coastal Consortium for Special Education, a regional collaborative special education local planning area, or SELPA. He has also been involved in a North County community of practice aligned with SDCOE's North Star goal of reducing poverty and increasing belonging through public education.

Clevenger's accomplishments throughout his 20-year education career include expanding student access to arts, music, science, technology, engineering, math, and career technical education offerings. He also has used a “curb cut” approach to increase honors programs for traditionally underrepresented students and to serve military-connected families. Clevenger has been recognized for outstanding collaboration and service to Native American students and families, and was recently named the San Diego Innovative Superintendent of the Year by the Classroom of the Future Foundation.

He fills the position previously filled by Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, who was selected as the San Diego County Superintendent of Schools.