Maurice Ghysels Appointed Permanent Pleasanton Superintendent

PLEASANTON, CA — The Pleasanton Unified School District named Maurice Ghysels as its permanent superintendent. Ghysels was appointed as interim superintendent in June 2024 after serving over 10 years as the superintendent in Mountain View and Menlo Park.

PUSD Board of Trustees President Justin Brown said in a statement that while the board interviewed several candidates over the past two months, "we ultimately concluded that the best choice is one with whom our community is already familiar. Through his steady, inclusive, and visionary leadership during the past year, our Interim Superintendent Dr. Maurice Ghysels has proven himself as the right leader for PUSD. He exemplifies the full range of qualities we sought in our search and is well-positioned to guide the District forward with confidence and continuity."

Ghysels, an Amador Valley High School graduate, was appointed for a two-year contract that started Tuesday, July 1. "When the Board offered me the opportunity to stay on as permanent superintendent, it was quite a surprise, yet it was an easy decision to make. I accepted the charge with humility and enthusiasm, honored by their trust and inspired by the incredible work performed by Team PUSD in our exemplary schools and programs," he said in a statement. "I am fortunate to be a member of our team, earning the privilege of collaborating with outstanding professionals who are dedicated and committed to our students, families, and community."

Ghysels said he hopes to spend the summer establishing and strengthening relationships, advancing construction work, and ensuring campuses are ready to welcome back staff and students in August.

In addition to serving as superintendent in Mountain View and Menlo Park, Ghysels has also taught as an instructor and adjunct professor at a number of institutions, including Loyola Marymount University, Pepperdine University, and the Santa Clara County Office of Education’s Leaders in Educational Administration Program. For the past four years, he has run the Ghysels Group, an educational consulting firm.

He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of San Francisco.