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Berkeley Unified School District's Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to appoint Brent Stephens as the district's next superintendent. 

Stephens earned his doctorate from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education. He began his teaching career as a Spanish bilingual teacher in Oakland, helping immigrant students and their families adjust to life in the U.S. 

Early in his career, he served as a special education paraprofessional and as both an elementary and secondary school principal. While working in Boston, he achieved National Board certification, which is the country's highest professional distinction for educators. 

Currently, he serves as the chief academic officer of the San Francisco Unified School District. Before he took on his current role, he served as assistant superintendent. 

"In Berkeley, I see a community committed to the full promise of desegregation, a fearless and public reflection on progress towards true equity, and strong, results-oriented community partnerships," Stephens said in a news release. 

"I am a public educator to my core, and I look forward to working with Berkeley Unified students, staff, and community to provide every one of our students with the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive," he said. 

Stephens will assume the new position officially on July 1, according to the school district.