Barstow Unified School District (BUSD) Superintendent Deanna Swearingen has announced her intention to retire effective July 1, 2026.

Among Mrs. Swearingen’s many accomplishments since beginning as Superintendent on February 1, 2023, are increased student safety, a renewed focus on student outcomes and the opening of the Community Walking Track on Avenue H.

Swearingen extended her thanks to the Board of Trustees for the progress they made together and said she remains immensely hopeful for the future of the district.

“Deanna has worked tirelessly to guide BUSD through some very challenging times,” Board of Trustees President Leonard Williams said. “Her leadership, dedication, and steady guidance have made a meaningful and lasting impact on our schools and, most importantly, on the children we serve. Her retirement is truly a loss to the district. While I am saddened to see her go, I fully respect her decision and am sincerely grateful for her years of service and commitment to BUSD.”

“As we move forward, it is now our shared responsibility to thoughtfully use every tool available to find the right leader, someone who will build upon the strong foundation already in place and continue strengthening BUSD for our students and our community,” Williams added.

Swearingen expressed her gratitude to the staff of BUSD.

“Thank you for allowing me to travel this journey with you. Your passion, resilience, and unwavering focus on our children inspire me every day. Please know how much I appreciate each and every one of you; you are the heart of this district.”

Ms. Swearingen joined Barstow Unified in February 2020 as Chief Business Official. In that time, Swearingen was instrumental in the District’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring education continued for the students of Barstow. She assisted in assembling the paper learning packets for students, as well as oversaw the distribution of pre-packaged meals so none of the District’s more than 6,000 students would go hungry.

The Board of Trustees will formally accept Mrs. Swearingen’s retirement notice at the February 10, 2026, meeting.