At a special meeting held July 9, the Granite School District Board of Education appointed Ben Horsley as its new superintendent, replacing Dr. Richard Nye who was recently appointed as the senior education advisor in Governor Spencer Cox’s administration. Horsley has been with Granite School District for over 15 years and has served as Chief of Staff to Superintendent Nye for the past three years. Horsley was one of the top candidates in the nationwide superintendent search three years ago and has worked to increase his experience in education administration and has used his vast institutional knowledge in serving on many committees and capacities within the District. Horsley is uniquely qualified to step into this role and serve as superintendent at this time.
“It was natural that in order to ensure the district continues to move forward with our strategic plan and our recent academic successes, that we appoint the person who has worked directly with Dr. Nye in establishing this vision,” said Board President Nicole McDermott.
“I am deeply honored for the trust of the board to continue to work diligently to support high quality instruction,” said Horsley. “I am committed to providing our students and teachers with everything they need to be successful.”
Prior to serving as chief of staff, Horsley had served as the district’s director of Communications and Community Outreach. He previously worked as a senior advisor for Congressman Rob Bishop and has taught in the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University as an adjunct professor. He holds a B.S. in Communications from the University of Utah and a Masters in Public Administration from Brigham Young University. Newly Appointed Superintendent Horsley and his wife Heidi are the parents of five children who have benefitted from the public education system. His appointment will take effect on July 27, 2024, corresponding with Dr. Nye’s last day with Granite School District.
Meeting Recap:
Motion to appoint Ben Horsley as the new superintendent of Granite School District Carried:
- Connie Burgess: Yea
- Kim Chandler: Abstain (With Conflict)
- Julie Jackson: Yea
- Nicole McDermott: Yea
- Clarke Nelson: Yea
- Kris Nguyen: Yea
- Karyn Winder: Yea
Click here to watch the full meeting recording.
Board member Kris Nguyen addresses the board 
Board Member Julie Jackson speaks to Ben Horsley 
Ben Horsley’s family 
Ben Horsley addresses the board 
The Board gives outgoing Superintendent Dr. Nye a standing ovation 
Ben Horsley embraces his daughter following his appointment 
Ben Horsley signs his contract, beginning July 27. 
Board President Nicole McDermott signs the new superintendent contract, which starts July 27.
