The Bakersfield City School District named a new assistant superintendent Wednesday morning, turning in house to fill the position.

Mark Luque has most recently served as director of curriculum and standards at BCSD. He is now the district's assistant superintendent of educational services. 

In a statement released by the district, Luque said, "I sat in the same seats that the students of BCSD sit in today and I understand the challenges, both academically and socially, that our students face each day,” said Luque. "It is my goal to create the conditions for success across the school district to continue to foster a collaborative culture where students, parents, teachers, administrators, and support staff work together to implement the structures to support students in achieving the academic success that I had as a student of BCSD."

The district's superintendent, Doc Ervin, said of the hiring: "Among the notable attributes he brings to this position, he's demonstrated a dedicated commitment to raising student achievement at BCSD."

Luque will start his role as assistant superintendent on June 1.