Plumas Unified School District announces the appointment of Richard DuVarney as the county administrator, following a thorough hiring process conducted in collaboration with the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team over the summer. DuVarney, who most recently served in Tehama County, will officially begin his state-appointed role with PUSD Oct. 6.
The district said that DuVarney brings extensive experience in educational leadership and governance, making him well-prepared to support PUSD during this important time. “His strong background and commitment to public education will be valuable assets to our schools, staff and community,” said PUSD.
“We are pleased to welcome Mr. DuVarney to Plumas Unified,” said Andrea White, county superintendent of the Plumas County Office of Education. “His leadership and experience will help guide our district forward as we continue to focus on student success and organizational stability.”
About Richard DuVarney
Richard DuVarney’s long educational journey has been focused in rural communities and is one of few administrators who has been a county superintendent in two different counties.
DuVarney is the immediate past president for the California County Superintendents group. In addition to his public service in schools, DuVarney has also been active in other statewide educational organizations such as the Small School Districts Association, the Association of California School Administrators, various community organizations and events that help support student success.
DuVarney grew up in the rural community of Gardnerville, Nevada. He went to Lassen Community College to play baseball, but “wound up getting an education instead,” he said. Later he received a teaching credential from California State University, Chico, and began his educational career as a middle school science teacher.
Early in his career he taught at the California Correctional Center in Susanville for Level 1 through Level 3 adult inmates. He said he takes joy in witnessing others succeed and is dedicated to enhancing outcomes for all student populations.
After 18 years of teaching and coaching a multitude of sports, DuVarney became the alternative education director for the Lassen County Office of Education. He was promoted to assistant superintendent, then associate superintendent, and he completed several assignments as district superintendent. Eventually he became Lassen County’s superintendent of schools in 2011.
DuVarney then made his way to Tehama County in 2015 and became the Tehama County superintendent of schools in 2016. Experiencing the inner workings of two different county offices and overseeing 24 different school districts has given him great insight into what makes successful, efficient and effective educational organizations, he said.
“Though it is difficult to leave the great people and the great work being done in Tehama County, I am deeply honored and incredibly excited to lead Plumas through this next chapter,” said DuVarney.
He and his wife, Shelley, have three grown daughters, four granddaughters and a grandson with whom they enjoy spending time. DuVarney enjoys golfing and fishing in his off time and plays catcher in an adult hardball league in Redding.
