The Irvine Unified School District didn’t have to go far to find its next leader.
Following a comprehensive search with input from staff, students, parents and community members, the IUSD Board of Education has named Interim Superintendent Cassie Parham as the permanent successor to Terry Walker, who retired in January.
A product of Irvine schools who has spent three decades within the district as an educator and administrator, Parham brings a deep understanding of IUSD’s culture, values and commitment to student success, according to a statement released Monday.
“I am grateful to the Board of Education for the opportunity of a lifetime to serve as IUSD’s Superintendent,” Parham said. “This role is a profound responsibility and honor. I understand the enormity of our promise to families to educate and care for their children, and I am committed to upholding the educational excellence that defines IUSD while honoring the legacy of those who have led before me.”
Parham, who stepped into the interim role in February, will now officially lead one of California’s highest-performing school systems. As the third-largest district in Orange County, IUSD serves more than 38,000 students across 45 schools and is supported by about 4,100 employees.
Student-centered leader
Parham is credited with helping guide IUSD through major shifts in education to meet the evolving needs of students, while emphasizing Irvine’s commitment to academic excellence, educational equity, mental health and wellness, and innovation.
“The IUSD Board of Education is confident that Cassie’s extensive experience, collaborative approach with staff, strong communication skills and dedication to engaging students and families make her the ideal leader for our District,” Board President Katie McEwen said.
“As a student-centered leader with a proven track record of success,” McEwen said, “Cassie will continue to build on our tradition of excellence and our promise to provide the highest quality educational experience we can envision for all students.”
A product of Irvine Unified schools herself, Parham attended University Park Elementary, Santiago Hills Elementary, Sierra Vista Middle School and Irvine High School before earning her bachelor’s degree in literature from UC Santa Barbara and her master’s degree in English from UC Irvine. She also holds teaching and administrative credentials from UCI.
A family legacy in IUSD
She began her IUSD career as an English teacher at University High School — in the same classroom where her father, Jack Parham, once taught. Her mother, Tammy, was also a longtime elementary school principal who helped open Oak Creek Elementary.
Over the years, Cassie Parham served as an activities director, pep squad advisor and assistant principal at both Northwood and Irvine high schools. She later became Northwood’s principal and served as the district’s director of secondary education before becoming assistant superintendent of Education Services, a position she held for 18 years.
Parham’s appointment follows the retirement of Walker, who had served as IUSD’s superintendent since 2011 before announcing in November 2024 that he would step down to focus on his health and family.
“Together with our dedicated, talented and caring staff,” she said, “and in collaboration with our students, parents and community, I look forward to continuing the critically important work of helping our students learn, grow, explore their passions and realize their potential.”