Mike Swize Departs Perris Job Month After Hiring

Mike Swize out of work as superintendent of the Perris Elementary School District

About one month after Mike Swize was named superintendent of the Perris Elementary School District, Bruce Bivins, a former area superintendent for the San Diego Unified School District, stepped into the role Wednesday, July 25.

It appears the Perris school board immediately had buyer’s remorse.

As one tipster told Uken Report, Swize’s alleged “indiscretions from PSUSD caught up to him.” His alleged indiscretions were one of the worst kept secrets in Palm Springs. He was surrounded by some who protected him, even members of the school board who sang his praises and looked the other way for a while. The chorus of those disgusted by his alleged dalliances grew louder after he announced his divorce. Uken Report learned that on Nov. 15, 2022, SWIZE&SWIZE was filed as a Family — Marriage Dissolution/Divorce lawsuit. This case was filed in Riverside County Superior Courts, Indio Larson Justice Center located in Riverside, California. The case status is Pending.

The Perris School Board hired Swize on June 26, after he had served two years as superintendent of the larger Palm Springs Unified School District.

But just two weeks later, the Perris school board began holding special meetings to discuss appointing a new superintendent. According to its board agendas, trustees discussed the “discipline/dismissal/release” of an employee, appointment of an “interim superintendent” and the search for a superintendent Sunday, July 8.

Trustees also met in a pair of special sessions Sunday, July 16, and Friday, July 21, to discuss appointing a superintendent.

The Board voted unanimously to approve Bivins’ appointment at the July 24 board meeting.

School Board President Douglas Corona told Uken Report, “I wish the best for Mike Swize. I’m very confident in Bruce Bivins.  We’re happy and we’re excited for the district.”

Swize’s exit was a mutual agreement, Corona said. He did not say when Swize’s last day was —   or if he had technically even started. The district’s attorney, John Dietrich, could not be reached for comment.

Swize could not be reached Wednesday for comment.

A member of the California Association of Latino Superintendents, Bivins was unanimously chosen by the school board Monday, July 24, according to a news release.

He will earn an annual salary of $268,400, according to his contract.

Before hiring Bivins, the district sought input during “sessions with administrators, staff, parents and district stakeholders and an online survey,” the release states.

In the news release, school board President Corona said Bivins “brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in educational leadership.”

Corona added that “his passion for student‐centered learning and his commitment to fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment was a key factor in his selection as our next superintendent.”

Bivins said in the release, which is posted the school district’s website, that he is “honored” to have been chosen.

“Together, we will embark on an incredible journey, where we will create the most optimal conditions for learning, teaching and leading within our schools and communities,” he said.

The district plans a meet‐and‐greet opportunity for students, parents, staff, and the community in the coming months.