AUHSD BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPOINTS DR. JARON FRIED AS NEW SUPERINTENDENT

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

“During the past approximately 10 years that Dr. Jaron Fried has been Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, he has been at the forefront of moving the District forward in implementing the many new pathways and programs that we have been recognized for locally, within the State and the Nation,” said AUHSD Board of Trustees President Brian O'Neal. “With that in mind, we as the Board wanted to continue this forward movement of providing the best educational opportunities possible for our students. I am confident that Dr. Fried is the right person to lead AUHSD into the future. I look forward to working with him to achieve our goals.”

A former special education teacher, principal, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, and most recently, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Dr. Fried has led some of the most innovative and impactful initiatives in AUHSD history. These include 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.

“Dr. Jaron Fried’s thoughtful approach to the programs and initiatives he has led throughout his career in AUHSD—combined with his proven dedication to students, staff, and families, and his alignment with our community’s values—make him the right choice to lead our District into its next chapter,” said Board Clerk Jessica Guerrero.

“Dr. Jaron Fried is a humble, integrity-driven leader with a deep passion for preparing AUHSD students for life,” added Assistant Clerk Annemarie Randle-Trejo. “For over a decade, he has been vital to our district’s success, and I am confident he will lead with transparency, dedication, and a genuine love for our community.”

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. Dr. Fried has also represented AUHSD at major national and state education conferences, speaking on topics such as artificial intelligence in education, equity leadership, and democratic school systems.

“Dr. Fried’s decades of service to AUHSD—spanning roles as teacher, administrator, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services—have cultivated a depth of institutional knowledge and social capital that will be pivotal in guiding our district to new heights,” said Board Member Ron Hoshi. “As Superintendent, his leadership will ensure a seamless transition while sustaining the innovative programs and opportunities that define AUHSD.”

A graduate of Katella High School, Dr. 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. His family’s roots in AUHSD run deep—his father was a longtime teacher and administrator in the District, and his wife, sister, and brother-in-law are currently classroom teachers.

“I am honored, humbled, and filled with a profound sense of purpose as I accept the opportunity to serve as the next Superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District. This is not just a professional milestone—it’s a full-circle moment,” said Dr. Fried. “AUHSD is already a shining example of what public education can be and should be. But I believe, together, we can go even further. We can continue to build a destination district—one that leads the nation in civic engagement, student voice, transcendent thinking, and whole child development, grounded in our career preparedness systems framework, our Capstone program and Performance Task Assessment system.” 

Dr. Fried’s appointment affirms the Board’s commitment to leadership continuity and to advancing AUHSD’s nationally recognized work in deeper learning, civic engagement, and workforce development.