County Education Official Dies

Donald P. Rucker, deputy superintendent of the San Diego County Office of Education, died Monday of a heart attack. The 63-year-old Rucker was a veteran of more than 36 years in public education, including almost 17 years in the San Diego County system, the last 12 as deputy superintendent, overseeing day-to-day operations.

County Superintendent of Education Tom Boysen called Rucker’s death “a terrible loss,” praising Rucker for his many years of devotion to young people.

Joe Rindone, president of the San Diego County Board of Education, said that Rucker “never let anything get in the way of what was best for kids. You didn’t hear a lot about Don, and that’s the way he wanted it. He always wanted other people to get the credit.”