Dear DVUSD Community,

This is truly the most exciting time of the year for all of us – Students, Teachers, Staff, and Parents. Even though Superintendents work year round, the first day still brings excitement. Watching parents drop off their students and seeing the interactions on the first day is always a good reminder of the joy that comes with starting a new school year.

Last year when I visited more than 580 classrooms across our District, I saw teaching and learning that lives up to our District motto: #Extraordinary. I witnessed inspiring teaching, engaged students, and many light bulb moments! I invite you to see those moments by following my 500+ visits on Twitter (@DrFinchDVUSD) during this school year.  

Deer Valley Unified School District continues to get better because we focus our attention on continuous improvement. We constantly ask ourselves: what can I do to improve myself… my school… my community… my District. We work hard to make the right decisions every day, hire the right people, and empower staff to succeed. By taking those important steps, we will continue to improve each year.

No matter what role you play in DVUSD, you make a difference in students’ lives. Keep that thought in mind, and we will have a great school year. I look forward to another year of serving this #Extraordinary District.

Sincerely,

Curtis Finch, PhD

Curtis Finch, PhD

Dr. Finch’s quest for educational excellence began at an early age in Alaska with his mother as a school bus driver and father as the school district’s maintenance director; the school system was the center of the community. As a young adult, Curtis utilized the long summer days to skipper a commercial fishing boat, work construction, and mine gold to pay for his college education.

Curtis received a BA in Secondary Mathematics, a MA in Administration, and a PhD in Education. Dr. Finch has spent 24 years in administration at the Middle School, High School, Superintendent, and ISD levels. He has received two state Winner’s Circle awards and a Region III Superintendent of the Year award. The past eighteen years as a Superintendent has afforded Curt opportunities to shape educational issues, testifying before the Michigan Legislature, the FCC in Washington DC, and serving on local, state, and national committees. He has also passed multiple school levies, recently securing a $40 million Special Education Enhancement Millage and later creating Meceola Technical College for vocationally training adults.

Dr. Finch is married to Angie and has a daughter who is a math professor and a son who is completing his eye doctor residency.