Dr. Ed Brand is former district superintendent who founded Compact for Success 

The Sweetwater Board of Trustees voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint Dr. Ed Brand the acting district superintendent. 

Dr. Ed Brand spent most of his education career in the Sweetwater District before serving as superintendent from 1995 until 2005. He will fill the post for one year or until a permanent replacement is found for Dr. Jesus Gandara, who was separated from the District on Tuesday. 

“We needed a positive change for the district,” said Board President John McCann. “We needed somebody who knew the district and who could hit the ground running during this interim period. It is a time for us to heal.” 

During Dr. Brand’s prior tenure at Sweetwater, he established the Compact for Success. This landmark partnership between San Diego State University and the Sweetwater District guarantees admission to SDSU for all district graduates who meet academic benchmarks beginning in 7^th grade. 

The Compact was the first initiative of its kind in the nation. Brand was named Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators for his vision as architect of the initiative. 

“It’s an honor and privilege to be back in my second home,” said Brand. “I am committed to getting this district back on track, to review decisions, identify any problems and find solutions. 

“The only way to operate is to be up front,” Brand said. “Sometimes you make mistakes, and you need to own up to them and make things right. 

“Sweetwater is the district of champions and we are going to be back on top,” he said. “We ask the community for some breathing room.” 

Over the next 30 to 60 days, Dr. Brand said he will conduct a review of all recent administrative appointments and district legal fees to address board and community concerns. 

Brand will receive $20,000 flat rate compensation with no other allowances.