June 26, 2012 -- For five years, the Deputy Superintendent position has remained vacant following the promotion of Dan Hoverman from that job into the role of Superintendent. In July, Rick Spicuzza returns to Mounds View Public Schools to fill the Deputy Superintendent position.

Dr. Spicuzza has spent the past five years overseeing the Department of Teaching & Learning, and the Department of Research, Evaluation and Assessment as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Assessment at South Washington County Schools. From 2004 - 2007, he served Mounds View as the District's Coordinator of Research, Evaluation and Assessment. Prior to joining Mounds View, he was the Assistant Director of Research, Evaluation and Assessment for Minneapolis Public Schools.

In 1993, Spicuzza earned a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota. He holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Creighton University. He and his wife, Cindy, live in Woodbury with their younger children, Katherine (16) and Thomas (12).

The Deputy's primary role will be to support school improvement efforts and address educational equity issues - core components of the District's Operational Plan.