Brentwood School District Names Marie Morgan Superintendent
The board appointed the veteran educator to serve as the district's interim leader starting in the new year.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Administration
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The Brentwood Union School District Board of Trustees has appointed Marie Morgan as Interim Superintendent. Morgan is set to lead the district for a six-month term beginning January 1, 2027.
Why it matters
The appointment follows the departure of long-time leader Dana Eaton, who is moving to a new role within the Contra Costa County Office of Education. The district is now initiating a formal search for a permanent successor to fill the position long-term.
Marie Morgan brings 36 years of experience to the role, including a decade-long tenure as superintendent of the Walnut Creek School District. She previously received the 2019 ACSA Region 6 Superintendent of the Year award.
The players
Marie Morgan
She is a veteran educator with 36 years of experience who previously served as the superintendent of the Walnut Creek School District for ten years.
Dana Eaton
He is the outgoing leader of the Brentwood Union School District who held the position for 14 years before transitioning to the Contra Costa County Office of Education.
The details
The board approved Morgan's contract on October 21, 2026, and also voted to begin accepting proposals from executive search firms. These firms are expected to assist the district in the process of recruiting a permanent superintendent.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: The Board of Trustees approved Marie Morgan's contract.
November 6, 2026: Deadline for executive search firm proposals.
January 1, 2027: Marie Morgan begins her term as Interim Superintendent.
Culture Shift
This appointment follows the established pattern of utilizing experienced interim leadership to maintain stability during a transition between long-tenured superintendents. It reflects the broader trend of school districts relying on seasoned veteran administrators to manage organizational continuity.
Residents can expect stability in district operations as Morgan manages the transition for the next six months. The ongoing search for a permanent superintendent will determine the district's long-term leadership direction.
The takeaway
Districts often appoint experienced retired administrators as interim leaders to ensure continuity when a long-term superintendent departs. This allows boards the necessary time to conduct a thorough search for permanent leadership without rushing the hiring process.
What happens next
The district expects to hold presentations for finalist executive search firms on November 18, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local governance and leadership transitions, visit the Brentwood Administration page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Contra Costa News.
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