Incoming Edmond superintendent discusses plans, vision for district

Edmond Public Schools announced the district's new superintendent on Monday, naming Dr. Josh Delich as the successor to the retiring Dr. Angela Grunewald.

SEE ALSO: Edmond Public Schools announces new superintendent: Dr. Josh Delich

Before Delich takes over in Edmond, the soon-to-be superintendent joined News 9 on Tuesday to discuss his plan for education in Edmond.

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Bringing over 20 years of experience to the position, most recently in Minnesota, Delich will soon be in charge of Oklahoma's third-largest school district.

However, Delich says his years of experience have prepared him for the new challenge.

"I started as a classroom teacher, I had six different preps, worked my way through administration, and then worked my self into central office positions," Delich said. "My most recent position was an associate superintendent in the largest school district in Minnesota, and just preparing me to really assume into this role, which I'm very, very excited about."

As for his leadership style, Delich described himself as being a proponent of transformational, visionary leadership.

"Leadership that is so deeply connected in 'How do we relate and connect?'" Delich said. "Bring vision, energy and excitement to the district, for students and for families."

Delich said this is not his first time in the Sooner State, and frequently visited the area while living in Texas. Delich also said he still has family living across Oklahoma.

"My wife and I, when we lived in Texas, vacationed here and just fell in love with the place," Delich said. "At that time, we just weren't in a place to move. I have a really good close friend that lives here in Oklahoma, in Tishomingo, and as I looked and explored future opportunities, Edmond came through."

Delich said that after looking further into opportunities in Edmond, the idea of being superintendent of EPS grew on him.

"I just started exploring more and more about Edmond," Delich said. "Every time I keep seeing and coming back, it just keeps getting better and better. It's a beautiful city, the people and the community."

Delich says he still faces challenges, mostly involved with moving his family across the country, but also with adjusting to the way EPS operates.

"I think anytime you jump into a new system, how do you best acclimate? Learn quickly and develop good insight of where things are going great," Delich said. "How do we continue to produce that greatness?"

Delich says he wishes to tap into the individual needs of students but also find ways to prepare them for life after graduation.

Additionally, Delich says he plans to meet with state leaders and connect in ways to improve the student learning experience.

As for his message to Edmond parents, Delich says to be ready for the upcoming school year.

"It is going to be a great school year, a wonderful kickoff," Delich said. "I just want you to know how passionate we are with the people who are currently in the schools and our staff about making sure that we deliver just an amazing education and experience for our kids. Very excited about the new year, I look forward to meeting them all throughout my "Listen Learn" tour with everybody in Edmond. Go Edmond! Let's do it."