AUHSD introduces new superintendent Jaren Fried, centers community schools and student-centered instruction

Dr. Jaren Fried, the new superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District, told attendees at a district meet-and-greet that he is “so honored and privileged to be serving as a superintendent for this district.” He framed his work around a community-schools model and long-standing community-driven vision for instruction.

Fried said the district treats schools as hubs that connect families to services, explaining that integrated supports — from counselors and social workers to medical, dental and legal assistance — are central to the approach. “We are a community school district,” he said, noting that although a state grant currently designates 15 community schools, the cabinet decided to extend similar positions to additional sites that do not qualify for the grant.

The superintendent described instruction as anchored in what he termed the 5 C’s — collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, communication and compassion — and emphasized performance-based assessments. He explained the district’s capstone program and frequent performance task assessments (PTAs), saying students typically complete multiple PTAs per class across grades 7–12 so they develop reflection, agency and workforce-ready skills.

Fried also highlighted career-technical pathways offered across AUHSD, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotechnology, medical, legal, game design and a YouTube academy, and called out dual-enrollment and certification partnerships with local community colleges. “We are positioning our students to have an advantage,” he said, tying those pathways to college and entry-level job readiness.

Board President Jessica Guerrero framed the board’s role as representative and oversight-focused, saying the five-member board approves policy, maintains the budget and evaluates the superintendent. Fried said the superintendent’s office works with three primary departments — human resources, business services and educational services — to translate board priorities into site-level practice.

Outlook and next steps: Fried said the district will continue to revisit and revise its priorities through ongoing LCAP (local control and accountability plan) engagement with families and staff. He invited written questions collected during the event and indicated administrators would remain after the presentation for one-on-one conversations.