Dr. Hugo A. Pedroza named new superintendent of Fallbrook Union High School District

The Fallbrook Union High School District (FUHSD) has offered the position of superintendent to Hugo A. Pedroza, Ph.D. The board approved the contract with Dr. Pedroza at its Sept. 8 regular meeting; he will assume the duties of superintendent beginning Sept. 15.

Pedroza, who originally graduated from high school in San Diego’s Sweetwater District, stated that the support of the counselors and teachers in the school district were what led him to his career in education.

After his high school graduation, Pedroza went on to earn his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees from UCLA. He began his educational career in the Los Angeles Unified School District, teaching at a school with approximately 6,000 English Language Learners (ELLs).

“I would also teach English to the adult population at night,” said Pedroza. “It had a big impact on me to teach the parents as well as the students. I saw the power teachers could have.”

Throughout his career, Pedroza has held several administrative roles in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, including the role of principal at Santa Monica High School. Pedroza’s most recent position was assistant superintendent of human resources at the Lompoc Unified School District, which he has held since 2011.

Pedroza stated he has worked with various demographics, including gifted students.

“I believe it is important to provide the tools and opportunities that will support ELLs, but I think that every demographic will need specific, special educational tools to allow them to grow academically. That translates into academic support that is not one size fits all.”

According to the board of trustee’s meeting agenda, the annual salary of the new superintendent will be $195,000, which will be payable in 12 equal installments on the first day of each month, prorated for service less than a full year upon initial employment. Conditioned on a satisfactory evaluation for the immediate preceding school year, the superintendent shall receive a longevity increase of three percent effective July 1, 2015 and three percent effective July 1, 2016. In the event that this agreement is extended without express board action, the superintendent shall remain on the last longevity increase prior to the renewal of the agreement.

The district will also provide a one-time relocation reimbursement to the superintendent of up to $12,000. Documentation of expenses shall be submitted prior to reimbursement.

Pedroza hopes to incorporate a collaborative, supportive, and focused leadership style in his tenure at FUHSD.

“My leadership has a focus; and I want to meet folks at the teaching, cabinet, and administration level so that I can offer anything needed to help meet our goal,” said Pedroza. “I am looking forward to making sure we have the best people so that kids in our district can thrive.”

Pedroza also believes that incorporating technology in education is no longer an option, especially as careers and technology continue to evolve.

“Students already come plugged in, so we want to make sure that we are tapping into their resources,” said Pedroza. “This allows them to learn more purposefully.”

Pedroza and his wife are looking forward to moving into the Fallbrook area, he said.

“I wouldn’t want it any other way,” he said. “We want to be part of the family so that we can act accordingly in the educational aspect.”

For the first 90 to 100 days, Pedroza plans on working closely with the district in order to learn the district’s challenges and advantages.

“I want to talk with stakeholders in this community and civic groups, so that I can start establishing relationships and get to know the community properly,” said Pedroza. “Then I can start to create a vision and process to improve our academic performance. I want to really understand the community so I can focus on what is best for the kids.”