Daniel Stepenosky, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Meet the Superintendent
Biography:
Daniel Stepenosky was born and raised outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He played clarinet and saxophone in his high school marching band and was an Eagle Scout. Dr. Stepenosky attended Villanova University on a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship. He graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics.
Lieutenant Stepenosky served four and a half years in the United States Navy, first on the Destroyer USS Waddell and then on the Cruiser USS Chancellorsville. While in the Navy, he was engaged in counter narcotics operations off the coast of South America and in Operation Southern Watch in the Persian Gulf. He received the Naval Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Navy Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal.
After the Navy, Dr. Stepenosky received his teaching credential from the University of San Diego in 1995; his master’s degree from California State University-Northridge, in 1999; and his doctorate from the University of California-Los Angeles, in 2003. He taught Physics, Advanced Placement Physics, Astronomy, and Physical Science at Beverly Hills High School from 1995-2000. Also at Beverly Hills High School, he served as Assistant Principal from 2000-2003 and Principal from 2003-2006.
Dr. Stepenosky joined the Las Virgenes Unified School District in 2006 and served as Assistant Superintendent of Personnel until 2011. He was the District’s Deputy Superintendent from 2011-12 and was appointed Superintendent of Schools in 2012.
Dr. Stepenosky has also served as an Adjunct Lecturer for the USC Rossier School of Education, California Lutheran University Doctoral in Education Leadership and Master’s program, and Concordia University Master’s program in Education Leadership.
Dr. Stepenosky lives in Calabasas with his wife and two children who attended school in Las Virgenes Unified School District.
Mission:
The mission of the Superintendent’s Office is to execute the goals and vision developed collaboratively with the Board of Education and stakeholders. Our focus is on student learning and achievement and ensuring that all students are successful in higher education and/or their careers.
Goals:
My goals for this year include the following:
- Student Learning: Create a districtwide shared understanding and commitment to universal student achievement – We are focused on investing in a culture that focuses on learning for all students.
- Maximize the human capital to support universal student achievement by investing in our people – We are working to create and implement professional development that engages and empowers employees through the effective, focused use of collaboration, time, technology, and staff development.
- Align/optimize resources to support universal student achievement to help ensure long term fiscal stability – We are working with our PFA/Cs, T.H.E. Foundation, the four cities, Chambers of Commerce, and the Performing Arts Education Centers to optimize our resources to support student achievement.
- Invest in a strong, focused and collaborative governance team – We are working to expand professional development to engage and empower employees; to increase competencies in the areas of communication and public relations as well as relations with city and community leaders; and to foster strong leadership within LVUSD.
- Guide LVUSD through a strategic planning process for District instructional facilities – We are working on a strategic plan that takes into account enrollment, growth of programs, changes in outside permits, rental of facilities, and the use of the Performing Arts Education Centers as learning facilities beyond the performing arts.
Student Achievement/ Curriculum and Instruction
Goal: To improve the achievement of all students through strong instructional leadership, innovative instruction, technology integration, common assessments, implementation of the LEAP plan and preparation for the California Content Standards and Next Generation of Assessments.
Major Focus:
- Increase the awareness, understanding, and knowledge of the California Content Standards.
- Begin to implement the California Content Standards and prepare for the Next Generation of Assessments.
- improve the achievement of our low performing sub populations.
Finance and Facilities
Goal: To ensure our financial resources and facilities are aligned to and support the educational program goals we want for our students.
Major Focus:
- Budgets are aligned to and support the instructional program.
- Facilities and finances support the instructional program and maximize options for our students.
Investing in Our People and Relationships
Goal: Maximize the support and capacity of our staff, parents, students, community and cities for our educational mission.
Major Focus:
- Continue to build an interconnected network of productive working relationships amongst all groups.
- Staff skills aligned with instructional goals.
Contact Information:
Dr. Dan Stepenosky
818-878-5225
superintendent@lvusd.org
