The Conejo Valley Unified School District Board of Education has named Jeff Baarstad, deputy superintendent of business services, as the district’s superintendent effective July 1, 2010.

Current superintendent Mario Contini announced his retirement earlier this month.

He’ll retire in June after four years in the position.

“Jeff is the perfect fit,” Contini said. “He is a man of integrity with a depth of understanding of our district’s needs, a wonderful leadership style, and he keeps his focus on the best interests of the students. I am thrilled with his appointment.”

Baarstad has served in public education for 32 years, the past seven in his current position.

Before coming to Conejo Valley Unified School District, Baarstad spent 25 years in the Hueneme Elementary School District, where he worked as an elementary and middle school teacher, elementary and middle school assistant principal and principal, and as associate superintendent of business and personnel services for 10 years.

“Dr. Baarstad has the right skill set, experience as a teacher and administrator, and the earned respect to guide the district to the next level in educational excellence,” said board president Tim Stephens.

Baarstad said he will work with the board in “building communication and consensus within the community.”

“I will devote all of my energy to nurturing our proud history of educational excellence and focusing our support and limited resources behind the dedicated efforts of our teachers, principals and school support staff,” Baarstad said.

Baarstad has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University, a master’s degree in developmental psychology from the University of Denver and a doctorate degree in educational organization and policy studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Baarstad has been married for 32 years to his wife, Jenny, clinical manager of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Ventura County Medical Center.

They have two adult children.

“I am honored and humbled by this appointment and the trust the board of education has placed in me,” Baarstad said.

“The Conejo Valley is a wonderful place to raise children, due in large measure to the cooperative efforts of our parents, community groups, the city, the Recreation and Parks District and, of course, Conejo Valley Unified,” he said.