Quick look: The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District has appointed Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza as its next superintendent. Known as Dr. Kym, the veteran educator brings more than 30 years of experience and most recently served as deputy superintendent of Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado.
The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District Board of Education has announced the appointment of Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza as its next superintendent, effective Oct. 6.
Known to colleagues as Dr. Kym, LeBlanc-Esparza brings more than three decades of experience as a teacher, principal, director and district leader, according to an announcement posted Tuesday. Most recently, she served as deputy superintendent of Jeffco Public Schools, Colorado’s second-largest district, overseeing 74,000 students in more than 145 schools with 14,000 employees and a $1.2 billion budget. Her work in Jeffco included advancing strategic planning, school redesign and equity-focused programs.
“I am deeply honored by the trust placed in me by the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District Board of Education and am truly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such an exceptional and vibrant community,” she said. “Community is not only central to my professional practice but also to my personal values, and I am eager to engage with our students, families, staff, and community. Together, I look forward to advancing our shared vision of excellence and innovation in education.”
Dr. Kym’s career includes superintendent roles in Colorado’s Archuleta School District and Oregon’s Newberg School District. In Newberg, she helped improve graduation rates, cut dropout rates in half, expand mental health services and administer a $28 million bond for facility upgrades and new educational opportunities.
She has also worked in leadership positions with the Adams 12 Five Star Schools district, Pueblo School District 60 and the Boulder Valley School District, and she has taught at the University of Denver, Western Colorado University and George Fox University.
“The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District is humbled and honored to welcome such a well-rounded leader as Dr. Kym,” Board President Marilyn Anderson said. “She brings vision, purpose, and empathy, along with a proven track record of success and a wealth of K-12 experience. I am truly thrilled for the leadership she will provide, her unwavering focus on students, and her innovative approach to education.”
In a news release, trustees expressed gratitude to those who applied for the position, along with district employees, parents, students, community members and The Cosca Group advisers who contributed input during the search process.
Dr. Allan Mucerino will continue to serve as superintendent during the transition until LeBlanc-Esparza takes office.