WORCESTER—We knew she was heading back to California — we just didn’t know where. Now it’s official.
Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez, who recently announced her departure from Worcester Public Schools, has been named the next superintendent of the Orange Unified School District in Southern California, the district confirmed Thursday evening.
The Orange Unified Board of Education is expected to formally approve her appointment at its May 7 meeting. Monárrez, a native of Southern California, officially begins her new role on July 1.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Monárrez into the Orange Unified family,” said Board President Kris Erickson in the announcement. “Her proven track record of fostering inclusive, high-achieving school communities aligns perfectly with our district’s mission and values.”
Monárrez joined Worcester Public Schools in July 2022 and led the district through the development of a five-year strategic plan focused on equity, access, and improved student outcomes. During her tenure, she was named one of 25 “Superintendents to Watch” by the National School Public Relations Association for her commitment to communication and family engagement.
Before her time in Worcester, Monárrez served as deputy superintendent of San Bernardino City Unified School District, among other leadership roles across California. She began her career as a teacher and brings over 30 years of experience in public education.
“I am grateful to the OUSD Board of Education for the opportunity to lead this phenomenal community,” Monárrez said in the release. “Together we will continue to ‘inspire our learners of today to be purposeful leaders of tomorrow.’”
The Orange Unified School District serves roughly 26,000 students across several Orange County communities, including Orange, Villa Park, Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and nearby unincorporated areas.
In Worcester, Monárrez’s last day will be at the end of the 2024–25 school year. District leaders have not yet announced plans for appointing an interim superintendent or launching a search for her successor.
Monárrez, who is bilingual in English and Spanish, holds a Ph.D. in urban education and a master’s degree from Claremont Graduate University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of California, Irvine.
In a message to the Worcester school community last week, she cited family considerations and a desire to return to her home state as the driving factors behind her decision.
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