Sam Swofford, former LUSD supe, dies at 62
By Amanda Dyer
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Updated: Friday, January 4, 2008 6:46 AM PST


Sam Swofford, former Lodi Unified superintendent, died Tuesday of advanced Lou Gehrig's Disease. He was 62.




Sam SwoffordSwofford came to Lodi Unified School District in 1984 as the assistant superintendent of personnel. Swofford was promoted to the district's top seat when former Superintendent Neil Schmidt resigned.

Swofford himself would resign in 1995, a move that was met with a good deal of controversy at the time.

Following weeks of closed session meetings, Lodi Unified's school board agreed to pay Swofford $150,000 and provide health benefits for the next 18 months in exchange for his resignation. Neither Swofford nor board members would ever discuss the deal or why Swofford resigned.

In June 1996, a San Joaquin Grand Jury released its findings that the district would have exposed itself to significant legal risk if it had not settled with Swofford, according to published reports from the time.

Despite his abrupt departure from Lodi Unified, Swofford's colleagues remembered him as an intelligent and hardworking professional.

"(He was) one of the best superintendents Lodi ever had," said Claudette Berry, former assistant superintendent of personnel at Lodi Unified.

Berry, who worked with Swofford for several years, said Swofford was a fair boss and friend who welcomed opposing points of view instead of running from them.

His colleagues could have heated discussions with him about hot issues, she said, and they could still be friends.

Swofford was born in New Orleans, but grew up in Maplewood, Mo., located about 15 miles from St. Louis.

A tremendous athlete, Swofford competed in five different events on his high school track team, and wrestled as well.

Swofford continued wrestling at Southeast Missouri State until he broke his nose and tore a muscle in his shoulder during his freshman year.

In 1965, Swofford joined the Marines and served in the Vietnam War.

From 1972 to 1973, Swofford worked as a buyer for Macy's in San Francisco before earning his teaching credential from California State University, Hayward. Swofford later earned his doctorate in education from the University of San Francisco.

Swofford spent eight years as a classroom teacher, taught adult school and worked on staff development and instructional issues at Cupertino Union School District before moving to Lodi Unified.

As superintendent at Lodi Unified, Swofford enhanced language programs for English learners, helped construct new schools and balanced the district's budget during a time of severe cutbacks.

He was also responsible for implementing several new curriculum and teaching assessment programs.

"I'm just grateful I had the opportunity to work with him," said current Lodi Unified Board President, Ken Davis, who served on the board during Swofford's tenure as superintendent.

Davis said Swofford continued to support the district even after his resignation. He would often see Swofford at school groundbreakings and dedications, most recently at the Manlio Silva Elementary School dedication last summer.

"Sam really did care about the kids in this district," Davis said.

Berry best remembers Swofford for his leadership skills.

"The people that worked for Sam had great affection for him," Berry said. "He let people do their jobs."

She also remembers his fondness for sending cards. He would look for any opportunity to send a card, she said.

"They were usually funny," she said, noting his good sense of humor.

After leaving Lodi Unified, Swofford became the director of teacher education and certification for the state until 2006.

He also served as president of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce from 2005 to 2006.

He was a member of the National Eagle Scout Association, the Marine Memorial Club and St. Paul Lutheran Church.

A lifelong runner, Swofford also enjoyed swimming, biking and participating in triathlons.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Swofford, of Lodi; and children, Stacey Swofford and Steven Swofford, both of Woodbridge, and Scott Swofford, of Lockeford.

Services will be held on Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held at Lodi Funeral Home on Jan. 6 from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Donations can be made in Swofford's name to Lou Gehrig's Disease (A.L.S.), 21021 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills, Calif. 91364.

Contact reporter Amanda Dyer at amandad@lodinews.com.
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