The Los Alamitos Unified School District has a new superintendent.
Dr. Andrew Pulver, who has served the Los Al community for 20 years, most recently as assistant superintendent of human resources, was selected to succeed Dr. Sherry Kropp, who led the district for the last eight years. He began his new role on April 19.
“I am blessed and humbled to serve the Los Alamitos Unified School District,” he said in a statement. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the Board of Education, teachers, staff, administrators, parents and community members to provide an unparalleled foundation for our students.”
Pulver began his career in Los Alamitos Unified as a teacher at McAuliffe Middle School. He later became assistant principal at McAuliffe and principal at Lee Elementary before being tapped to lead HR.
“In each of these roles, he has demonstrated compassion, dedication and a commitment to students, families, staff and the community,” the district said in a statement. “He is well respected across the state and Orange County for promoting a collaborative culture that supports ongoing learning, reflective practices, creativity and a spirit of excellence.”
Los Alamitos Unified Board of Education President Diana Hill called Pulver “an outstanding educational leader with a proven track record of successfully leading exemplary programs and services for students, while enhancing relationships and building positive teams.”
“He not only has the background and professional capacity we need, but he also cares deeply for this district,” Hill said. “We look forward to working with him in continuing the tradition of improving student outcomes in academics, athletics, activities and the arts while providing open communication with staff, parents and the community.”
Along with a bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University, Pulver has a master’s degree in educational administration from Alliant International University and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern California.
He has served as an adjunct professor for USC’s Rossier School of Education doctoral program and directed and taught the Association of California School Administrators’ Personnel Academy for the past four years.
Pulver has been recognized as the Los Alamitos’ Principal of the Year, and he was honored by ACSA’s Region 17 as its Personnel/Human Resources Administrator of the Year in 2015.
“I am inspired to be part of a district that is responsive to the needs of students and families and work alongside such a dedicated and passionate group of educators and staff,” he said. “Ours is an exemplary district, and we will continue that spirit of excellence and commitment to students for many years to come.”