October 22, 2020 at 7:15 pm

James Mousalimas, the San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools, announced his retirement on Wednesday. He will continue as superintendent until June 30 of next year. After that, current county associate superintendent of student programs and services Troy Brown will take over.

Mousalimas began working in education as a Peace Corps member in Niger. Afterwards, he taught math in Richmond Unified School District and then worked at the American International School in Saudi Arabia.

Mousalimas began working in San Joaquin County as Tracy Unified’s Director of Alternative Programs in 2001. He joined the County Office of Education as assistant superintendent of county operated schools and programs, and was elected as county superintendent in 2014.

During his tenure with the county, Mousalimas oversaw the establishment of programs and schools such as the Teachers’ College of San Joaquin, the CodeStack Academy, and the Discovery ChalleNGe Academy.

“The SJCOE Cabinet and I realize that this announcement comes during an uncertain time. We would like to assure you that our goal is to work together to ensure a seamless transition,” Mousalimas wrote in a letter to SJCOE staff.

Troy Brown will replace him as superintendent in July of 2021. Before coming to the SJCOE, Brown served as the principal of Merrill F. West High School and as Tracy Unified’s director of student services and curriculum.