Davis School District Superintendent Dr. Dan Linford has been named the 2026 Utah Superintendent of the Year by the Utah School Superintendents Association (USSA).
The honor was bestowed during a surprise ceremony after Dr. Linford gave a keynote address during the Davis School District’s Summer Leadership Conference held at Syracuse High School.
Dr. Lexi Cunningham, executive director of the USSA, said, “Dan’s visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to students, and dedication to strengthening public education have made a lasting impact on Davis School District and across Utah. He exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity, innovation, and a focus on student success.”
Reflecting on the award, Dr. Linford said, “This is a tremendous honor, especially because it comes from colleagues whom I respect so deeply. There are remarkable superintendents across this state doing extraordinary work for children every day, so to be recognized by them means more than I can express.”
He also said, “I've learned over the years that leadership is never an individual accomplishment. Whatever success people see in me is a reflection of outstanding teachers, principals, district leaders, board members, and community partners who have trusted one another and worked toward a common purpose. I'm fortunate to work alongside some of the very best people in public education.
“I also know that every superintendent in this state understands the privilege and responsibility of this work,” Dr. Linford continued. “We don't do it for awards. We do it because every child deserves an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover who they can become.
“I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve, grateful for the people who have mentored me along the way, and grateful to represent the thousands of educators who make this work possible every single day in Davis School District.”
With the distinction of being named as the state’s superintendent of 2026, he now moves on to represent the Beehive State as the AASA, The School Superintendents Association, names a national superintendent of the year.
For the past year, Dr. Linford has served the 43-member USSA as its president.
Dr. Linford is the 19th superintendent to lead Davis School District, which he has done since July 2022, and is a product of the school district as a graduate of Clearfield High School.
He began his educational career as a high school English teacher in 1999. In 2006, Dr. Linford moved into an administrative role as the assistant principal at Viewmont High School and then as its principal in 2011. He also served as a secondary director beginning in 2016 until he was appointed as superintendent by the Davis School District Board of Education.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in English teaching from Weber State University and a master’s degree and doctorate in Educational Leadership & Policy from the University of Utah.