School board confirms Roger Brossmer as next superintendent

Dr. Roger Brossmer had his new contract approved last week by the school board. He will become superintendent July 1. (Courtesy photo)

DOWNEY — The school board's formal approval confirmed deputy superintendent, Roger Brossmer will be appointed superintendent of Downey Unified School District this summer.

After 31 years with the district, Brossmer, 53, has developed a professional and personal understanding of DUSD and the community.

Brossmer, who has a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern California, began as a science teacher at Downey High School in 1994. Over the last three decades, he has worked in various positions within the district, including varsity basketball coach, principal and assistant superintendent. He became deputy superintendent in 2022.

"I love the continuity of starting as a teacher and working at all the different levels of administration and now making it all the way to earn the superintendent position," said Brossmer. "I'm proud of that."

Brossmer has also taken an active role in the city government. He was elected to the Downey City Council in 2008 and ran unopposed until his second term expired in 2016. Brossmer's tenure on the city council included a term as mayor in 2012.

He is the only known superintendent to have also been elected to the city council.

He emphasized his desire to give back to a district that, he said, has given him and his family so much.

While at DHS, Brossmer met his wife after teaching her younger brother in his science class. She is also an administrator in the district, as the vice principal at Williams Elementary School.

Both of his sons also went to school in the district and graduated from Warren High School, just as both of Brossmer's parents had years earlier.

A key priority for the incoming superintendent is sustaining and growing the district's upward trajectory.

"The good news is we're moving in a great place and we are moving in a great direction," said Brossmer. "And so really the key for me is, how do I build on our success?"

One focus for Brossmer will be attracting and retaining students and ensuring the district's schools are available to attract high quality students from the surrounding areas.

Academically, Brossmer aims to further increase the number of students graduating with A-G completion, ensuring they are eligible for a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC). Addressing areas for improvement in test scores, particularly in mathematics, will also be a key objective.

Technology will also contribute significantly to education under Brossmer's tenure. He is pursuing the goal of Downey Unified School District becoming the first Apple Distinguished School District. Earning the distinction would mean that Apple recognizes that the district utilizes technology in education to maximize student learning.

Brossmer acknowledged the potential challenges ahead, particularly the financial concerns surrounding state and federal budget uncertainties.

"We are always looking to make sure that if something changes at the federal level, we would be able to adjust," said Brossmer. "We have to find a way to continue to support those very vulnerable students."

Recognizing the importance of community input, Brossmer plans to continue a community outreach initiative previously conducted by his soon-to-be predecessor, superintendent John Garcia. He intends to interview a diverse group of community members to gather feedback and gain insights into their perspectives on the district's strengths and areas for improvement.

"So part of that will be talking about, 'Where do we want to continue moving ahead?' 'What are the things we want to continue to emphasize, or de-emphasize,'" said Brossmer. "And then also, just getting that community feedback component is really valuable."

Brossmer emphasizes the importance of collaboration and values the district's relationships with its unions, acknowledging strong labor relations are essential for the community's success.

"That doesn't mean we're gonna always agree on everything, but that's definitely one of the recipes for Downey's success,"said Brossmer. "Labor relations are something we take very seriously. We value it, and we work on it."

As he prepares to assume the superintendent's responsibilities, Brossmer's contract is structured very similarly to that of outgoing superintendent Garcia.

Brossmer will start at a lower annual salary of $340,891. Upon leaving, Garcia's annual salary will be $357,936.

At the recommendation of the search firm that selected him for superintendent, Brossmer's contract will also include an indemnity clause. Under the clause, the school district will defend Brossmer if he is ever sued personally or professionally while he is acting in his official capacity as superintendent of DUSD.

As Brossmer prepares to become superintendent, he expresses both excitement and a sense of responsibility.

"The last thing I'd ever want to do is let my board, let my community, let my kids down," said Brossmer. "For me, longevity and loyalty are important, and so this district has been wonderful to me. And it's now my opportunity to continue to give back to this district that's given me and my family so much."

Brossmer will take office as superintendent on July 1.