Wasatch County board names Dr. Garrick Peterson superintendent after nationwide search

The Wasatch County School District Board of Education announced Monday that Dr. Garrick Peterson has been selected as the district’s next superintendent, board member Kim Dickerson said during a special meeting.

Dickerson described a “rigorous nationwide search” led by the Utah School Boards Association and shaped by community input. She told the room that a 25-person committee reviewed 12 applicants, narrowed the field to two finalists and that Peterson “stood out at every phase.”

Why it matters: The district—serving about 7,500 students—will transition leadership as current Superintendent Paul Sweatt prepares to step down. Sweatt said he expects to “walk out the door on July 1,” and praised Peterson as a capable successor who he expects will continue district initiatives.

The board emphasized community involvement in the choice. Board member Brianne Diedrichsen said the committee repeatedly ranked Peterson as “our number 1 pick” and noted the candidate packet included numerous letters of recommendation. Several board members who sat on interview panels said they asked tough questions and were impressed by Peterson’s responses and willingness to listen to board and community input.

Peterson, who has worked in the district for roughly six years, told attendees he is “excited to go to work with this board” and thanked Sweatt and the many community members who reviewed applications. He described his leadership approach as collaborative and student-centered and said dividing the high school into two campuses could allow the district to deliver more personalized support.

The announcement at the June 16 special meeting did not include contract terms or a recorded formal board vote on the appointment in the meeting transcript. Board members and district leaders said the selection resulted from the multi-stage process described to the public and expressed confidence in a smooth transition.

After Peterson spoke, he introduced his wife, Dicey, and their children, and the board moved to adjourn. A motion to adjourn was made, seconded and the meeting ended.

What’s next: Superintendent Sweatt indicated his departure will occur in late June/early July; the transcript places the expected transition date as July 1. The district has not specified contract length, salary or an official start date for Peterson in the meeting record.