Santa Ana Unified has tapped longtime educator and district insider Lorraine Perez to serve as its next superintendent.
Perez, who has worked in education for more than two decades and currently serves as the district’s deputy superintendent of educational services, will officially step into the role on July 1, district officials said. She replaces Superintendent Jerry Almendarez, who announced in March he would be retiring at the end of July after more than five years leading the district.
“Dr. Perez has earned the trust and respect of our students, families, staff and community partners,” school board President Hector Bustos said in a statement. “She is a thoughtful, strategic leader who understands the needs of our district and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to equity, academic excellence and innovation. We are confident she is the right person to guide SAUSD into the future.”
Perez said she plans to build on the work she has been doing as deputy superintendent by boosting academic achievement, expanding career and college prep programs and building stronger partnerships with local businesses, colleges and community groups.
“I remain deeply committed to ensuring every student receives a high-quality education that opens doors to opportunity. Together with our educators, families and community partners, we will continue building strong academic programs, fostering innovation and supporting the success of every student,” Perez said in a statement.
Before joining SAUSD, Perez served in several leadership roles in San Bernardino City Unified, including as assistant superintendent. She started her career as a teacher in Baldwin Park Unified and later led a dual-language school as principal, experience she said shaped her leadership philosophy.
Perez holds a doctorate in education from USC and degrees from Cal State Fullerton, where she later served on the Alumni Association board. She’s also held city commissioner roles and owns a small business.
Santa Ana Unified has about 36,000 students enrolled across more than 50 schools. It’s the second largest school district in Orange County.