A new superintendent has been named for the San Dieguito Union High School District.

San Dieguito’s Board of Trustees appointed Robert Haley, currently the superintendent of Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District, according to a Sept. 14 announcement.

Haley, who has been with the Cotati-Rohnert Park district for seven years, was chosen after a search during the summer conducted by Hazard Young Attea and Associates. He replaces Eric Dill, who left earlier this year.

“Dr. Haley is the ideal superintendent for our district,” board President Beth Hergesheimer said in a news release announcing the choice. “He believes in the team approach to leadership, actively listening, collaborating, and focusing decision-making on what is best for students.”

In the search process, Haley was noted for his work supporting effective board governance, knowledge of school business and funding, and experience in special education, among other attributes, according to the district.

“His school finance acumen and his special education background match with some challenges SDUHSD is facing,” Hergesheimer said in the district’s news release.

Haley’s professional experience spans more than 25 years, from teacher and principal to district-level administrator, working in six school districts and the United States Marine Corps Reserve, according to the district. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California and a master of arts degree in special education from Chapman University.

The San Dieguito district serves students in seventh through 12th grades students in Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Carmel Valley and surrounding areas, with four high schools, five middle schools and a continuation high school.

“The communities that make up the district are all unique and wonderful places to live,” Haley said in thess news release. “San Dieguito Union High School District is a great school district and one I am honored to have the opportunity to lead.”

The process for officially hiring Haley is underway, Hergesheimer said in the announcement.