Message from Orange Unified

Enlace a este mensaje en español: https://secure.smore.com/n/6x7wf

Orange, CA — April 24, 2025 — After a comprehensive search that included input from staff, parents, students and community members, the Orange Unified School District (OUSD) Board of Education is pleased to announce the selection of Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD, as the district’s next superintendent. Her appointment is anticipated to be formally approved at the upcoming regular Board Meeting on May 7, 2025.

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Dr. Monárrez brings over three decades of experience in public education, fueled by a passion for student-centered leadership and a strong commitment to equity, innovation, and community engagement. A native of Southern California, Dr. Monárrez is bilingual in English and Spanish and dedicated to serving diverse communities. She holds both a PhD in Urban Education and a Master of Arts in Education from Claremont Graduate University, along with a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California, Irvine. ​

Most recently, Dr. Monárrez served as the Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools in Massachusetts. Her leadership drove remarkable success in student academic performance, community engagement, organizational leadership, and fiscal responsibility. She was recognized as one of the 2023-24 “Superintendents to Watch” by the National School Public Relations Association for her commitment to communication and family engagement.

Prior to her role in Worcester, Dr. Monárrez served as Deputy Superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District. Her earlier career includes additional California TK-12 experience as an Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Senior Director of an English Learner Program, principal, and English immersion and special education teacher.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Monárrez into the Orange Unified family,” said OUSD Board President Kris Erickson, JD. “Her proven track record of fostering inclusive, high-achieving school communities aligns perfectly with our district’s mission and values. We look forward to a bright future under Dr. Monarrez's leadership, united in our mission to empower every student to thrive.”​

“I am grateful to the OUSD Board of Education for the opportunity to lead this phenomenal community,” shared Dr. Monárrez. “I look forward to meeting our scholars, staff, and families, and learning about the amazing opportunities available throughout Orange Unified. Together we will continue to inspire our learners of today to be purposeful leaders of tomorrow!”

Provided her contract is approved at the Board of Education Meeting on May 7, Dr. Monárrez will officially assume the role of OUSD Superintendent of Schools on July 1, 2025.

Email: communications@orangeusd.org
Website: www.orangeusd.org
Location: 1401 North Handy Street, Orange, CA, USA
Phone: 714-628-4000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrangeUnifiedSchoolDistrictCA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orangeusd
Twitter: @orangeunifiedCA

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OUSD

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