The Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) Board of Trustees congratulates Superintendent Michael Matsuda on the announcement of his retirement.
Matsuda’s 11-year tenure has been a defining era of innovation, student empowerment, and national recognition for public education transformation.
“Superintendent Matsuda’s legacy is one of courage, vision, and relentless dedication to equity, innovation, and student voice,” said Board President Brian O’Neal. “His leadership has not only reshaped AUHSD but has served as a national model for the future of public education.”
Under Matsuda’s leadership, AUHSD became the first California Democracy School District, secured over $26 million in community school funding (the most proportionally in the state), and empowered students through groundbreaking programs such as the Career Preparedness Systems Framework (CPSF), Anaheim’s Innovative Mentoring Experience (AIME), the Magnolia Agriscience Community Center, and innovative career pathways in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotech, and game design.
“Superintendent Matsuda’s legacy is defined by his bold belief in the power of student voice,” said Trustee Ron Hoshi. “From reimagining mentorship and career education to championing deeper learning, he challenged traditional systems and built a culture that values purpose-driven learning. His leadership has not only shaped innovative frameworks and partnerships, but also empowered generations of AUHSD students to find their voice and equip them with 21st-century skills to change the world.”
Matsuda’s tenure was marked by an unwavering focus on student/teacher agency and deeper learning — exemplified by thousands of student-led performance tasks and capstones that redefined traditional measures of success. His partnerships with higher education and industry — including with Google, UCI, Cal State Fullerton, and USC — expanded dual enrollment, credential pathways, and AI-integrated learning environments for students across the district.
“Superintendent Matsuda’s impact will be felt for generations,” said Trustee Annemarie Randle-Trejo. “His work reimagined what public schools can be — and our responsibility now is to carry that vision forward with integrity and resolve.”
From honoring student street data to uplifting marginalized voices, Matsuda led with compassion and conviction. In his recent farewell address, he reminded AUHSD staff that “schools must not just sort talent, but discover it,” and that in an era of democratic fragility, schools must prepare students “for meaningful jobs, where we are building their abilities to transcend their learning, truly preparing them for college, careers, and life.”
The board recognizes that this is a profound transition for the district. As part of this next chapter, the board has launched a search for AUHSD’s next superintendent. Community members are invited to share their input via a multilingual survey open through July 28 at noon. The board is committed to selecting a leader who embodies the values, innovation, and commitment that have defined the AUHSD.
“Superintendent Michael Matsuda’s 11 years of visionary leadership have transformed AUHSD, making our district a national model for civic engagement, career preparedness, and community partnerships,” said Trustee Jessica Guerrero. “As we begin an internal search for our next superintendent, we are committed to continuing the mission and core values that have brought our district this far, and will carry us forward into the future.”
The Board of Trustees — President O’Neal, Clerk Guerrero, Assistant Clerk Randle-Trejo, and members Hoshi and Katherine H. Smith — express their deepest gratitude to Matsuda for his years of extraordinary service and pledge their full commitment to guiding the district through this critical and exciting new phase.
To hear Matsuda’s retirement announcement and to access the superintendent input survey in English, Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese, visit:
https://www.auhsd.us/District/138501-Superintendent-Search-2025.html
The AUHSD serves approximately 25,000 students in the communities of Anaheim, Cypress, Buena Park, La Palma, and Stanton. For more information, visit the website, subscribe to the YouTube channel, follow the district on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and listen and subscribe to the AUHSD Future Talks Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.