New Asst. Superintendent: 1/12/2024

The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) has appointed Mrs. Renee Gray to a new role, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services, pending formal approval by the Board of Education at a regularly scheduled meeting on January 16.

Mrs. Gray’s career in public education spans 26 years with the last 10 in PYLUSD. Most recently, she has held the position of executive director of special education and the Northeast Orange County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA). In this role, she oversees the implementation of regional special education services for students of all ages in PYLUSD and Brea-Olinda Unified School District. Before that, she served PYLUSD and other local school districts as a coordinator of psychological support services, coordinator of child welfare and attendance, school psychologist, and school counselor.

"Mrs. Gray is a champion for the success and well-being of all children. She is an experienced leader who focuses on supporting our district’s most vulnerable students and fostering an inclusive educational environment. The success of our students is paramount and we believe that she will not only meet but exceed the needs of our diverse student body,” said Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss.

Some of Mrs. Gray’s accomplishments during her time in the district include leading the first preschool Head Start co-teach model in Orange County schools, passing a Board resolution focused on inclusion for special education students, and improving the delivery of special education services by providing training and resources to reinforce best practices, compliance, and delivery of specialized services. She was integral in bringing registered behavioral technicians and board-certified behavior analysts to provide intervention in elementary schools and wellness staff to provide mental health services for secondary students.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, we have full faith in Mrs. Gray's capacity to enhance the district's exceptional special education program and strengthen how we support every learner on their academic journey,” noted Board President Leandra Blades.

Throughout her tenure as executive director, Mrs. Gray worked to ensure services for students with moderate, severe, and extensive needs were made available at each comprehensive high school, providing students the opportunity to attend their home school. She also developed a community partnership to implement an intensive communication and reading program for students with learning needs and led the development of programs for adult transition students ages 18 to 22 to receive a diploma and post-secondary employment opportunities.

In her previous roles, Mrs. Gray created a child welfare and attendance handbook to guide student attendance, student discipline, and programs for high-risk youth. She also developed district procedures on bullying response protocols and oversaw a comprehensive mental health intern program.

Mrs. Gray earned her masters in counseling psychology from California State University, Fullerton, and holds her pupil personnel services credentials in counseling, psychology, and child welfare and attendance. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Away from work, one can find her spending time with her husband of 32 years, Randy, and their three adult children—Taylor, Zachary, and Madeline. She enjoys walking her dogs at the beach, relaxing in Big Bear, traveling around the world, and DIY home improvement projects.

“I am truly grateful for the trust placed in me as I step into this position. Empowering every student to experience a sense of belonging and thrive in an educational setting is not only a goal, but the driving force behind my years serving in both student services and special education,” Mrs. Gray shared. “It takes the collaboration of district educators, general and special education, to fulfill this important responsibility. As Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services, I look forward to championing inclusivity, helping students reach their potential, and working collaboratively to pave pathways for every student's success.”

In her new role as Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services, Mrs. Gray will continue her work overseeing special education and the Northeast Orange County SELPA as well as several other key student support functions. She will assume her new role immediately upon Board approval on January 16, 2024.