Mountain Empire Unified School District Public Education
Profile
ABOUT THE Mountain Empire Unified SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Mountain Empire Unified School District is the Southeastern most school district in San Diego County, bordering the Mexican State of Baja California on the South and Imperial County on the East. The district is in mountainous terrain, which varies in elevation from 2,500 to 6,000 feet above sea level. Mountain Empire Unified School District encompasses over 660 square miles.
The district began educating students in 1923 and was composed of seven elementary schools and one union high school. Unification of the District took place in 1952. The district now consists of four (4) elementary schools, Pre-K through 6th grade; two (2) middle schools, 7th through 8th grade; one (1) high school; and an Alternative Education Program, 7th through 12th grade. Our Governing Board is composed of seven members, who are elected at large and represent the trusteeship in which the member resides.
The rural setting and the sparsely populated area require extensive bussing of students; however, it also provides a healthy, cheerful surrounding, which strengthens educational opportunities.
SUPERINTENDENT
A MESSAGE FROM DR. PATRICK KEELEY
It is truly an honor to serve Mountain Empire Unified School District as your Superintendent. Having graduated from Mountain Empire High School in 1990, I am proud of our school district, our students, and our dedicated educators. I am excited to serve this community as MEUSD is a unique school district covering over 660 square miles that brings students from diverse backgrounds together. It is the diversity of our communities that creates the unique culture that is Mountain Empire.
Mountain Empire Unified School District encourages our students to be future focused, self-directed, and take ownership in their learning. Our teachers and staff are dedicated to building positive and long-lasting relationships with our students. We wish all of our graduates well and encourage them to remember that Mountain Empire as a place that will always be home to them!
Dr. Patrick Keeley has previously served MEUSD as the Principal of Mountain Empire High School and has also served as a high school principal in the Grossmont Union High School District. His other leadership roles have been an alternative education administrator, assistant principal, high school dean, ASB advisor and Social Science Department Chair in Grossmont. Noted for his knowledge and leadership skills in developing a positive school climate, he has served as a consultant in San Diego County and across the state of California. He began his teaching career at Mission College Preparatory High School in San Luis Obispo, CA.
Throughout his career in administration Dr. Keeley has successfully worked with staff, students and the community. His professional credits also include service as a member and chair on Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WASC) committees, serving as a university supervisor for developing administrative credential candidates and being a member of various community-oriented committees and boards. He has been recognized as a high school Teacher of the Year at Templeton High School in 2001 and currently serves as the East County Leadership Charter President for Region 18 for the Association of California School Administrators. In addition, Dr. Keeley has been a featured presenter at regional and state educational conferences.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Social Studies from the California State University, San Marcos, and both a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University.
Dr. Keeley has been married to his wife, Nicole, a community college educator, for over 24 years. Their hobbies include hiking, attending live music and sporting events, travel and spending time with family and friends. They have two children.