At its Aug. 7 meeting, the Anaheim Union High School District Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Dr. Jaron Fried as the new Superintendent of AUHSD, effective Dec. 30, 2025. A product of AUHSD and a 29-year veteran of the district, Fried brings unmatched experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a passionate commitment to the community he has long served.

Fried succeeds Superintendent Michael Matsuda, who will retire at the end of 2025 after more than a decade of transformative leadership.

A former special education teacher, principal, assistant superintendent of Human Resources, and most recently, assistant superintendent of Educational Services, Fried has led innovative initiatives including the development of the Career Preparedness Systems Framework, the expansion of civic engagement and dual language immersion programs, and the launch of AUHSD’s Capstone Program and performance-based assessments.

Under his leadership, the district has reached new heights in graduation rates, A–G and CTE completion, and earned national recognition for its work in career pathways, mental health supports, and community school development.

A graduate of Katella High School, Fried began his teaching career in 1996 in AUHSD and has remained with the district ever since. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management from Alliant International University, a master’s degree in special education from Cal State Los Angeles, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UC San Diego.