Fred Dierksen is in his fifth year in the lead role for USD 376. He has served a total of 26 years in public education. Prior to becoming Superintendent, Fred was the grade school principal in Sterling, having held that position for six years. His educational experience also includes fifteen years in Jetmore, Kansas. There he started as a sixth-grade teacher and a three-sport coach before becoming the K-8 principal at the same school.

Dierksen graduated from Sterling College (1982), received a Masters Degree from Fort Hays State University (1988), and an Educational Doctorate (EdD) from Wichita State University in 2005.

Susan, his wife of 20 years, also graduated from Sterling College (1987) where she lettered in three sports and majored in elementary education. She has coached volleyball and basketball at all levels and will utilize that talent again this year for the high school volleyball team as an assistant coach. She continues to work as a special education para-educator at Sterling Grade School. Susan also manages the Sterling City Pool, a position she has held for nine years.

Dr. Dierksen and his wife have five children, with at least one in each building. Traveling, biking, weight lifting, and his garage are his primary pastimes when he is not attending one of his kids' many functions.