Perris Union HSD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Kirk Skorpanich says one of the cornerstone elements of effective school leadership is relationships.
Skorpanich prioritizes people and trust
June 24, 2024
Name: Kirk Skorpanich
Award: Personnel/Human Resources Administrator of the Year
Title: Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Perris Union High School District
ACSA highlights: Member since 1998; Region 19 President, 2023-present; ACSA Human Resources Council Region 19 Representative, 2020-present; Chair, ACSA Personnel Institute, 2021 & 2022; Chair, ACSA Negotiators’ Symposium, 2024; WRCASM Charter President, 2021-2023.
With a proven track record of problem-solving, positivity and collaboration, Kirk Skorpanich is an example of the difference strong and supportive leadership can make in a district and community. He has held the position of assistant superintendent of Human Resources at Perris Union High School District since 2017, and was previously employed in Alvord USD and Moreno Valley USD.
For his outstanding efforts to promote equity, efficiency, innovation and inclusion, Skorpanich was selected as ACSA’s 2024 Personnel/Human Resources Administrator of the Year.
The sole high school district in Riverside County, Perris Union has a diverse student population, with more than 70 percent Hispanic and nearly 65 percent socioeconomically disadvantaged students. The district places a high value on equitable student outcomes, and Skorpanich has proven his commitment to the district’s mission and vision to create a safe, caring environment for all. He established transparent and impartial hiring practices, improved the Employee Appreciation Program, planned regional job fairs and implemented an Aspiring Administrator Academy for teachers in Perris Union and nearby districts.
As the district’s chief negotiator, Skorpanich prioritizes relationships, trust and collaboration, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. He partnered with California School Employees Association to develop a Classified Relationship Council, working with leaders in the classified unit to improve communication and problem-solving. This program was modeled after the Perris Relationship Council, in which certificated staff work with the district cabinet to improve relationships and communication, and the Site Relationship Council, which allows site administrators the opportunity to meet with teacher representatives. These regular meetings allow staff and administrators to discuss problems and find solutions at both the district level and at specific school sites.
Skorpanich has been active in his local ACSA charter and Region 19 since early in his administrative career, and currently serves as the Region 19 president. He has presented at numerous ACSA Academies and conferences, as well as recently acting as chair of both the Personnel Institute and Negotiators’ Symposium. In addition, he plays an active role in the American Association of School Personnel Administrators and has served as a member of the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors since 2018.
“Kirk has transformed a department that was a liability into one that is a true asset to our district,” wrote Grant Bennett, superintendent of Perris Union HSD. “His background and experience gave him instant respect, but it has been his interpersonal skills that have made him a model for all administrators. Kirk deals with even the most difficult situations in a professional manner that makes everyone feel they are being heard and valued.”
What’s your favorite book or quote on leadership?
My favorite book on leadership is still “What Great Principals Do Differently” by Todd Whitaker. I received the book as a principal nearly 20 years ago and the advice for school principals still resonates with me today. The qualities of great principals apply to all school leaders. I especially appreciate two quotes:
- “Great principals never forget that it’s people, not programs, who determine the quality of a school.”
- “Great principals make it cool to care. They understand that behaviors and beliefs are tied to emotion, and they understand the power of emotion to jump-start change.”
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I have received as an educational leader is the advice of John Maxwell: “The best leaders are humble enough to realize their victories depend upon their people.” Any success that I have had as a site principal or district leader has been completely and totally the result of the amazingly awesome people with whom I have worked.
What’s your best strategy for work-life balance?
I wish I knew the best strategy for work-life balance. But I have found certain practices helpful for me. These include prioritizing activities that recharge me, like spending time with loved ones, indulging in hobbies such as sailing or golf, or simply relaxing. I also make a conscious effort to detach from work during vacations or weekends, resisting the urge to constantly check emails or messages.
What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator?
My role as a Human Resources leader may bias my opinion, but I am convinced that one of the cornerstone elements of effective school leadership is relationships. There is simply no substitute for investing in and fostering caring relationships. Taking the time to connect with each person on a personal level and demonstrate empathy towards their challenges is more than just a life hack, but necessary for success. By authentically caring about our colleagues, we cultivate an environment of trust and teamwork, ultimately enhancing performance and boosting job contentment across the board.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
People would be surprised to learn that I am the first person in my family that was born in the United States. Both of my parents emigrated here after World War II and were English learners. Although my mother graduated high school and had an outstanding career as a teacher, my father did not obtain his high school diploma until he was an adult. Both of them serve as role models for me, illustrating the importance of education and perseverance.
What made you want to become a school administrator?
I knew early on that I wanted to be a school administrator. Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” I know this is true. I have seen how education has positively impacted the lives of students for generations. As a teacher, I impacted the students in my class. As a site principal, I have had the opportunity to affect the lives of thousands of students. As a district-level administrator, I have been blessed with the opportunity to recruit, support and promote incredible school leaders.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome to get where you are?
In the middle of a labor negotiations session in 2013, I received a text from my wife. She informed me that a CT scan showed a mass in our 8-year-old daughter’s brain, which was diagnosed as cancer. This threw my personal and professional life into a whirlwind. However, I quickly learned the power of caring, compassionate and supportive colleagues. There were numerous examples of care shown by members throughout the school community. My daughter is doing great now and recently completed her first year in college. She plans on being a special education teacher. However, the lesson re-emphasized the importance of creating and maintaining caring relationships. These caring relationships affect us both professionally and personally.
What are you proud of accomplishing?
My most cherished achievement lies in my capacity to recruit and collaborate with world-class educators throughout my professional journey. During my tenure as a principal, I was fortunate to spearhead the inauguration of a new school and assemble an outstanding team of teachers and support staff. This endeavor underscored the profound influence of exceptional individuals. ... My proudest moments are rooted in the art of recruitment.
How has ACSA supported you in your career/current position?
As a member for over 25 years, ACSA has supported me immeasurably. But networking and professional development are the two most impactful supports that I have had. Specifically, as a HR administrator, I frequently reach out to ACSA colleagues throughout the state to serve as thought partners and advisors as unique issues arise. Similarly, the professional development that I have received both regionally and through ACSA’s Personnel Institute and Negotiators’ Symposium have been unparalleled.
2024 Personnel/HR Administrator of the Year Kirk Skorpanich.
Perris Union HSD Superintendent Grant Bennett with Kirk Skorpanich at an employee recognition event.
Kirk Skorpanich has proven his commitment to the district’s mission and vision to create a safe, caring environment for all.
The sole high school district in Riverside County, Perris Union has a diverse student population, with more than 70 percent Hispanic and nearly 65 percent socioeconomically disadvantaged students.