Transitions
September 15, 2025
The Anaheim Union High School District Board of Trustees congratulates Superintendent Michael Matsuda on the announcement of his retirement, effective Dec. 31, 2025. Matsuda’s 11-year tenure as AUHSD’s leader has been a defining era of innovation, student empowerment, and national recognition for public education transformation.
“Superintendent Matsuda’s legacy is one of courage, vision, and relentless dedication to equity, innovation, and student voice,” said Board President Brian O’Neal. “His leadership has not only reshaped AUHSD but has served as a national model for the future of public education.”
Under Matsuda’s leadership, AUHSD voters approved Measures H and K resulting in a combined $745 million investment in the district’s facilities and infrastructure, AUHSD became the first California Democracy School District, the district secured over $26 million in community school funding (the most proportionally in the state), and empowered students through groundbreaking programs such as the Career Preparedness Systems Framework, Anaheim’s Innovative Mentoring Experience, the Magnolia Agriscience Community Center, and innovative career pathways in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Biotech, and Game Design.
Matsuda’s tenure was marked by an unwavering focus on student/teacher agency and deeper learning — exemplified by thousands of student-led performance tasks and capstones that redefined traditional measures of success. His partnerships with higher education and industry — including with Google, UCI, Cal State Fullerton, and USC — expanded dual enrollment, credential pathways, and AI-integrated learning environments for students.
From honoring student street data to uplifting marginalized voices, Matsuda led with compassion and conviction. In his recent farewell address, he reminded AUHSD staff that “schools must not just sort talent, but discover it,” and that in an era of democratic fragility, schools must prepare students “for meaningful jobs, where we are building their abilities to transcend their learning, truly preparing them for college, careers, and life.”
To hear Matsuda’s retirement announcement visit: www.auhsd.us/District/138501-Superintendent-Search-2025.html.
The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education has unanimously appointed Dr. Lorraine M. Perez as the district’s next superintendent, effective July 1. She will lead a district that serves approximately 35,000 students across 56 schools, making SAUSD the 19th largest public school district in California.
Perez brings over 20 years of experience in public education and has spent the last five years serving as SAUSD’s Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services. In that role, she led key initiatives in teaching and learning, school performance and culture, special education, and other student-centered programs.
As superintendent, Perez will continue her focus on improving student achievement, advancing instructional innovation, and expanding academic pathways that prepare students for success in college, careers, and the jobs of the future, all essential pillars of the SAUSD Graduate Profile. In addition to her instructional priorities, Perez plans to strengthen partnerships with local businesses, colleges, and community organizations to expand resources that support both academic success and student well-being.
Before joining SAUSD, she held several leadership roles in the San Bernardino City USD, including Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Director of Elementary Instruction, and Coordinator of Elementary Instruction.
Perez earned her Doctorate of Education from the University of Southern California and holds both master’s and bachelor’s degrees from California State University, Fullerton.
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