The Uintah School Board voted unanimously during Wednesday night’s business meeting to hire Ryan Maughan as the district’s new director of Special Programs.
Maughan has served as the superintendent of the Emery School District since 2021. He tendered his resignation to the Emery School Board on Wednesday night after the Uintah School Board’s vote. His resignation takes effect June 30.
“We are pleased to have Ryan join Team Uintah,” said Dr. Rick Woodford, superintendent of the Uintah School District.
“Ryan brings extensive experience and knowledge in the field of special education to our district, has a passion for serving students with disabilities, and will strengthen our systems and processes to help all our students reach their full individual potential,” Woodford said.
Maughan’s educational and professional background made him a perfect match for the Special Programs directorship. During his 17 years in education, he has taught students with severe and profound disabilities in Iron County; served as an elementary school principal and assistant special education director in Carbon County; and held the positions of special education director, student services supervisor, career and technical education (CTE) director, and superintendent in Emery County. Maughan also has experience with the English Language Learner (ELL) and gifted and talented programs, both of which will be included in his stewardship as USD Special Programs director.
“I am committed to advocating for all students, especially those who need additional support or cannot advocate for themselves,” Maughan said. “Every child can learn, and every child must be given the opportunities and support they need to do so. The path to success requires dedication to students, to educators, and to the community.”
Maughan holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a coaching emphasis and history minor from Southern Utah University. He also earned a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in special education and a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy, both from the University of Utah. In addition to his degrees, Maughan has a school leadership administrative/supervisory K-12 license, a special education teaching license, a severe/profound disabilities endorsement, a gifted and talented endorsement, and an educational technology endorsement.
“I have no doubt my role as director of Special Programs in the Uintah School District comes with tremendous responsibilities, but I know it comes with tremendous opportunities as well,” Maughan said.
“I believe there are some fantastic things already going on in the district,” he said. “I pledge to do my part to ensure those things continue even as we explore more ways to provide all students with access to the educational offerings that will allow them to enjoy success in life.”
Maughan expressed his heartfelt appreciation to those he has worked with in Emery County since 2016. He will officially begin his new role with Uintah School District on July 1; however, he will start transitioning into the job in May.
“My family and I are excited to join the community in Uintah County,” Maughan said. “It definitely felt like a place we could call home the first time we visited.”