Update: David Faulkner Named Brentwood Superintendent

(Update 6:15 p.m. after an interview with David Faulkner)

David Faulkner, the current assistant to superintendent Dr. Charles Penberthy, has been named superintendent of the Brentwood School District.

The appointment will become effective July 1, the day after .

"I am thrilled that the board selected me," Faulkner said. "Beyond my excitement, I also know there's a lot of work to be done."

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The Brentwood Board of Education was unanimous in the selection, said Chris Jones, president of the school board, when reached by phone on Monday. After a lengthy selection process, the board chose Faulkner because of his dedication to the students, Jones said.

"He has a passion to serve every student in Brentwood," Jones said. "He wants to make every single kid a lifelong learner."

Faulkner, 48, has worked in education for 25 years: 14 as a teacher and 11 as an administrator, the press release notes.

Faulkner first entered the Brentwood district in 2004 as the high school principal. He became assistant to the superintendent in 2008. He's also worked in the Clayton and Ladue school districts.

"He's done a great job in every role he's had," Jones said.

Faulkner's appointment also will allow for a smooth transition, Penberthy said. The two have already developed a plan to move Faulkner into the position.

"He's going to be a strong leader. He's an excellent communicator...and problem solver," Penberthy said, adding that Faulkner will always serve the students' needs first.

Faulkner emphasized two challenges that the district will be facing over the next few years: staying in a good financial situation while maintaing good facilities in the district.

The school board previously hired a firm to conduct a study to examine each Brentwood school, Faulkner said. He will become updated about that process as part of his transition, Faulkner said.

Faulkner holds a bachelor's degree in science education from the University of Georgia and a master's degree in education from Georgia State University. Faulkner also earned an educational specialist degree in education administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, the press release notes.

He is currently a doctoral candidate in educational leadership and policy studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, the release notes.

The school board , Dr. William Rebore, to lead the district through the search to replace Penberthy. The board narrowed the list to five applicants before selecting Faulkner.

"We had some really great candidates, and all five would have done a good job," Jones said. "But at the end of the day, David just rose to the top."

Faulkner has reached a verbal agreement with the district for the contract, though some details are still being finalized, Jones said. Those details, including the salary, will be released when the contract discussions are finished, Jones said.