The Board of Trustees of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District seeks a long-term relationship with an exceptional educational leader who will maintain and build upon district strengths, address identified challenges and will lead with kindness, confidence, and strength as their Superintendent of Schools.

Board Members

Marilyn Anderson – President

Term of Office – 2024-2028

Carrie Buck – Vice President

Term of Office – 2022-2026

Todd Frazier – Clerk

Term of Office – 2022-2026

Tricia Quintero – Trustee

Term of Office – 2024-2028

Leandra Blades – Trustee

Term of Office – 2024-2028

About PYLUSD. . .

The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District is located in northeast Orange County, California. The district serves the cities of Placentia and Yorba Linda as well as portions of Anaheim, Fullerton, and Brea.

The district’s 34 school sites include 20 elementary schools, five middle schools, a K-8 school, four comprehensive high schools, a special education school, a continuation high school, a TK-12 home school, and a K-12 online school. Preschools (state and fee-based) and before and after-school childcare are also available.

The district prides itself on serving a diverse population with student enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year at approximately 22,320. The district maintains its reputation for academic excellence, remains fiscally solvent, and is proud of their community engagement with working and non-working parents and guardians participating in school activities, volunteering nearly 200,000 hours a year.

Academically, district students excel on standardized tests, outpacing both state and county averages. Students have won high honors in the county, state, and national competitions, including Academic Decathlon and Science Olympiad tournaments, Mock Trial, and both visual and performing arts competitions. Graduating classes traditionally earn millions of dollars in academic and athletic scholarships. As such, the district consists of numerous award-winning school sites and programs. Some recognitions include:

• National Blue Ribbon Schools
• California Distinguished Schools
• California Gold Ribbon Schools
• College Board’s AP District Honor Roll
• California Schools to Watch
• National and Commended Merit Scholars
• Highly Acclaimed Music and Arts Programs
• California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and League Athletic Titles
• Most International Baccalaureate Diplomas Awarded in Orange County
• California Exemplary Independent Study High School
• California Model Continuation High School
• California PBIS Coalition Implementation Award
• California Pivotal Practice Award

• America’s Best High School Awards – U.S. News & World Report
• Orange County Academic Decathlon Champions
• Orange County Mock Trial Champions
• Orange County Register Top Workplace
• City of Placentia Top Workplace

Staff members have been honored for their expertise and contributions to education. Numerous county, state, and national awards have been presented to PYLUSD staff, including Orange County Teachers of the Year, National Health Educator of the Year finalist, the nation’s Outstanding Director of Activities, the nation’s finalist for Technology Director of the Year and more.

The school district dates back to 1874 and has always maintained a rich, historical tradition.

The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District obtained its name after the 1989 merger between the school districts serving the established community of Placentia and the growing area of Yorba Linda.

Mission: The Reason We Exist

We inspire all students through rigorous and relevant educational experiences that empower them to become responsible, ethical, and contributing citizens.

Vision: The Direction That Drives Us We are committed to being a dynamic and supportive learning community that prepares each and every student for success now and in the future.

Core Values: What We Stand for and Represent

• Excellence We relentlessly pursue excellence in all academic and organizational endeavors.

• Collaboration We actively seek opportunities to serve and work together with all members of our school community to ensure student success.

• Integrity We foster relationships that promote respect, responsibility, and honesty to ensure the well-being of all.

• Innovation We create a culture that celebrates ingenuity, promotes adaptability, and inspires intellectual exploration.

District Demographics

• Socioeconomically Disadvantaged (44.0%)
• Considered Homeless (11.3%)
• English Learners (13.5%)
• Receive Special Education Services (12.7%)
• Foster Youth (0.4%)

By Race/Ethnicity:

• Hispanic (45.6%)
• Filipino (2.4%)
• Asian (18.8%)
• African American (1.1%)
• White (26.9%)
• Pacific Islander (0.3%)
• Two or More Races (4.9%)

District Strengths

• Tradition of excellence
• Strong academic focus
• Devoted teachers and staff
• Committed administrative staff at the site level
• Exemplary academies/pathways/athletics/art at the high school level
• Opportunity rich – clubs/AP classes/IB classes/electives
• Support of music at the elementary and middle school levels
• Diverse community
• Strong parent involvement – volunteers/PTA
• Multi-role stakeholders – PYLUSD alumni/employee/parent/community member
• REACH Foundation

District Challenges

• Lack of stability/high rate of turnover in district leadership
• Staff changes impacting consistency at site levels
• Current relationship with union partners
• Hiring practices
• Lack of trust

• Political environment – national/state/local impact
• Board dynamics
• Closing the Achievement gap
• Inclusionary opportunities for students with special needs
• Chronic absenteeism
• Uncertain funding at the national and state level

PYLUSD Board of Trustees, staff and community are seeking a superintendent with the following characteristics:

• Exceptional communicator who prioritizes listening
• Transparent, consistent, and strong
• Understands the importance of effective messaging and utilizes media platforms to share information
• Resilient and confident; decisive and focused; courageous and calm
• Strategic thinker who has a vision for the future
• Emotionally intelligent leader who promotes safety of all types – physical, social, and psychological
• Kind/respectful to all members of the staff and community – including in times of disagreement
• Morale builder/unifier
• Demonstrates accountability for themselves and others
• Student-centered
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education and the IEP process
• Understands educational budgeting and is fiscally responsible
• Visible at district office, school sites, school activities and in the community
• Proven record of improving academic outcomes for students
• Data focused, innovative and creative
• Understands and prioritizes strong union relationships
• Experience in effective collective bargaining strategies
• Encourages parental involvement and embraces parent voice
• Ethically and legally guided with the highest integrity
• Experience with board dynamics and understands education code and board bylaws
• Navigates federal, state, and local politics while remaining apolitical
  
  

Selection and Application Process

Debra French and Kirk Bauermeister of The Cosca Group have been retained by the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District Board of Trustees for the search, recruitment, screening, and selection process for the new Superintendent of Schools.

Interested applicants must submit the following on or before

Monday, August 11, 2025 by 5:00pm

• Completed Application Form (as provided herein)
• Formal Letter of Introduction
• Resume including record of professional education and professional experience
• Letters from five professional references (three of which must be current, within the past 12 months)

APPLY HERE

Send completed application and related information, in the order listed above in one pdf file to:

Debra French
debraafrench@yahoo.com

During the screening process, reference checks will be made with those familiar with candidates’ professional performance. Board members may visit the district and community of the final candidate.