The Fullerton Joint Union High School District has found its next superintendent.
The district announced that Dr. Steve McLaughlin has been tapped for the role, pending approval by the Board of Trustees at this week’s meeting. He succeeds Dr. Scott Scambray, who will retire at the end of the month after six years in the superintendency.
McLaughlin has served as an educator for more than 20 years. Along with teaching history, P.E., and AVID courses, he’s served as a high school activities director and administrator, a middle school principal, and director of secondary curriculum and instruction. For the past six years, he’s been the assistant superintendent of Educational Services for the Fountain Valley School District.
McLaughlin is credited with leading high school teachers in the implementation of the Common Core instructional standards, expanding social and emotional supports for students, cultivating an array of community partnerships, developing targeted reading interventions and overseeing the expansion of career technical education pathways. Most recently, he helped navigate Fountain Valley schools through the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a news release, the FJUHSD school board engaged stakeholders from across the district before making its selection. McLaughlin stood out for his vast experience, as well as his ability to communicate effectively, build successful teams and connect with stakeholders “with a focus on helping all students be successful,” according to the district.
Along with a bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego, holds a master’s degree from California State University, San Marcos and a doctorate from the University of Southern California.