Oxnard Union High School District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Bryan Sturgeon
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Oxnard Union High School District
805-385-2527 | [email protected]

Oxnard Union High School District Appoints Dr. Virginia Kelsen as Next Superintendent

Historic Appointment Follows Nationwide Search and Positions District for Continued Student Success

OXNARD, Calif. - Following a nationwide search and months of community and stakeholder input, the Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD) Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Virginia Kelsen as the district's next Superintendent at their June 24th board meeting. Dr. Kelsen is an established, local, experienced, educational leader who is well-prepared to guide OUHSD into its next chapter.
The appointment ensures leadership continuity for nearly 16,000 students while concluding a comprehensive nationwide search informed by stakeholder surveys and public forums. Board members cited Dr. Kelsen's deep knowledge of the district, unwavering commitment to students, and collaborative leadership style as the defining qualities that led to their decision. Her appointment also marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first superintendent to serve alongside the district's first all-female Board of Trustees - a reflection of the district's commitment to strong, diverse leadership and its continued focus on student success.

“Throughout this process, our priority was finding a leader who understands our students, values our communities, and is prepared to build on the strong foundation already in place,” said Board President Dr. Karen Sher. “Dr. Kelsen has earned the trust and confidence of our Board through her leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to students. We are confident she is the right leader to help ensure every student is college ready, career prepared, and equipped for a powerful future.”
Few new superintendents begin their first day with the institutional knowledge Dr. Kelsen brings to the role. After serving as OUHSD's Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for the past two years, she steps into the district's highest leadership role with an established understanding of its schools, students, employees, families, and community. In that role, she led districtwide academic programming and partnered with educators to strengthen instructional excellence and improve student achievement.
The Board's decision followed a comprehensive nationwide search conducted with the assistance of executive search firm Leadership Associates. Throughout the process, trustees sought input from students, employees, families, and community members through surveys and public forums to identify the leadership qualities most important in the district's next superintendent including the ability to communicate with OUHSD’s Spanish-speaking families She succeeds Dr. Thomas McCoy, who accepted the position of Superintendent of Burbank Unified School District after six years of service leading OUHSD.

OUHSD’s mission is my mission. Our students deserve the best possible high school experience and, as a highly purpose-driven leader, I look forward to working with staff and families to help them attain the future of their dreams by honoring students’ unique strengths and creating opportunities for them to grow. I am honored to serve our community.”

With more than 35 years of educational leadership experience, Dr. Kelsen has served as an English teacher, assistant principal, principal, director, executive director, assistant superintendent, university instructor, and cabinet-level educational leader. She earned a Ph.D. in Education: Urban Leadership from Claremont Graduate University, where her research focused on leadership development, literacy, career technical education, and expanding access to post-secondary education. This past year she also participated in the Ventura County Leadership Academy alongside other education and local community leaders expanding OUHSD’s visibility and potential partnerships. Throughout her career, she has earned numerous honors recognizing her leadership, service, and commitment to educational excellence.

The Board expressed confidence that Dr. Kelsen's deep understanding of OUHSD, combined with her proven leadership and unwavering commitment to students, will ensure a seamless transition while building upon the district's momentum and advancing academic excellence, student well-being, and opportunities for every learner.

"We are grateful for Dr. Kelsen's leadership and dedication to OUHSD and look forward to continuing this important work together on behalf of our students, staff, families, and community," the Board of Trustees shared.

Serving nearly 16,000 students across 10 comprehensive high schools, Frontier High School, Oxnard Adult School, and Anacapa Adult Transition School, Oxnard Union High School District prepares every student for success in college, career, and life through high-quality educational opportunities and strong partnerships with families and the communities it serves throughout Ventura County.

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PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA

Contacto:
Bryan Sturgeon
Asistente Ejecutivo del Superintendente
Distrito Escolar Unido de Preparatoria de Oxnard
805-385-2527 | [email protected]

El Distrito Escolar Unido de Preparatoria de Oxnard nombra a la Dra. Virginia Kelsen como su próxima Superintendente

Un nombramiento histórico tras una búsqueda a nivel nacional posiciona al distrito para el éxito continuo de sus estudiantes

OXNARD, Calif. — Tras una búsqueda a nivel nacional y meses de aportes de la comunidad y las partes interesadas, la Mesa Directiva del Distrito Escolar Unido de Preparatoria de Oxnard (OUHSD, por sus siglas en inglés) nombró a la Dra. Virginia Kelsen como la próxima Superintendente del distrito en su reunión del 24 de junio. La Dra. Kelsen es una líder educativa local, establecida y experimentada, muy bien preparada para guiar a OUHSD hacia su próximo capítulo.

El nombramiento garantiza la continuidad del liderazgo para casi 16,000 estudiantes, al tiempo que concluye una exhaustiva búsqueda a nivel nacional respaldada por encuestas a las partes interesadas y foros públicos. Los miembros de la Mesa Directiva citaron el profundo conocimiento que tiene la Dra. Kelsen del distrito, su firme compromiso con los estudiantes y su estilo de liderazgo colaborativo como las cualidades definitorias que llevaron a su decisión. Su nombramiento también marca un hito histórico, ya que se convierte en la primera superintendente en ejercer junto a la primera Mesa Directiva compuesta enteramente por mujeres en la historia del distrito, un reflejo del compromiso del distrito con un liderazgo fuerte y diverso y su enfoque continuo en el éxito estudiantil.

"A lo largo de este proceso, nuestra prioridad fue encontrar a una líder que comprenda a nuestros estudiantes, valore a nuestras comunidades y esté preparada para construir sobre la sólida base ya establecida", dijo la Presidenta de la Mesa Directiva, la Dra. Karen Sher. "La Dra. Kelsen se ha ganado la confianza de nuestra Mesa Directiva gracias a su liderazgo, integridad y firme compromiso con los estudiantes. Confiamos en que es la líder indicada para ayudar a garantizar que cada estudiante esté preparado para la universidad, listo para una carrera y equipado para un futuro poderoso."

Pocos nuevos superintendentes comienzan su primer día con el conocimiento institucional que la Dra. Kelsen aporta al cargo. Tras desempeñarse como Subsuperintendente de Servicios Educativos de OUHSD durante los últimos dos años, asume el cargo de liderazgo más alto del distrito con un entendimiento ya establecido de sus escuelas, estudiantes, empleados, familias y comunidad. En ese puesto, dirigió la programación académica a nivel distrital y colaboró con los educadores para fortalecer la excelencia educativa y mejorar el rendimiento estudiantil.

La decisión de la Mesa Directiva se produjo tras una exhaustiva búsqueda a nivel nacional realizada con la asistencia de la firma de búsqueda ejecutiva Leadership Associates. A lo largo del proceso, los miembros de la Mesa Directiva solicitaron la opinión de estudiantes, empleados, familias y miembros de la comunidad a través de encuestas y foros públicos para identificar las cualidades de liderazgo más importantes en el próximo superintendente del distrito, incluyendo la capacidad de comunicarse con las familias hispanohablantes de OUHSD. Sucede al Dr. Thomas McCoy, quien aceptó el puesto de Superintendente del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Burbank tras seis años liderando OUHSD.

"La misión de OUHSD es mi misión. Nuestros estudiantes merecen la mejor experiencia posible en la preparatoria y, como líder profundamente motivada por un propósito, espero trabajar con el personal y las familias para ayudarles a alcanzar el futuro de sus sueños, honrando las fortalezas únicas de los estudiantes y creando oportunidades para que crezcan. Me siento honrada de servir a nuestra comunidad."

Con más de 35 años de experiencia en liderazgo educativo, la Dra. Kelsen se ha desempeñado como maestra de inglés, subdirectora, directora, directora general, directora ejecutiva, subsuperintendente, instructora universitaria y líder educativa a nivel de gabinete. Obtuvo un doctorado en Educación: Liderazgo Urbano de la Universidad de Posgrado de Claremont, donde su investigación se centró en el desarrollo de liderazgo, la alfabetización, la educación técnica vocacional y la ampliación del acceso a la educación postsecundaria. El año pasado también participó en la Academia de Liderazgo del Condado de Ventura junto con otros líderes educativos y comunitarios locales, ampliando la visibilidad y las posibles alianzas de OUHSD. A lo largo de su carrera, ha recibido numerosos reconocimientos por su liderazgo, servicio y compromiso con la excelencia educativa.

La Mesa Directiva expresó su confianza en que el profundo conocimiento que la Dra. Kelsen tiene de OUHSD, junto con su liderazgo comprobado y su firme compromiso con los estudiantes, garantizará una transición fluida al tiempo que se construye sobre el impulso del distrito y se promueve la excelencia académica, el bienestar estudiantil y las oportunidades para cada estudiante.

"Estamos agradecidos por el liderazgo y la dedicación de la Dra. Kelsen a OUHSD y esperamos continuar este importante trabajo juntos en beneficio de nuestros estudiantes, personal, familias y comunidad", compartió la Mesa Directiva.

Al servir a casi 16,000 estudiantes en 10 preparatorias integrales, la Preparatoria Frontier, la Escuela para Adultos de Oxnard y la Escuela de Transición para Adultos de Anacapa, el Distrito Escolar Unido de Preparatoria de Oxnard prepara a cada estudiante para el éxito en la universidad, la carrera profesional y la vida, a través de oportunidades educativas de alta calidad y sólidas alianzas con las familias y las comunidades a las que sirve en todo el condado de Ventura.

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Bryan Martin who was appointed by the Oxnard Union High School District Board of Trustees on Monday evening as the next Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

Bryan Martin began his career in education in 1999 with the Los Angeles Unified School District at Los Angeles High School, where he taught Biology and Chemistry for six years. He then joined Taft High School, where he taught Chemistry for an additional five years before serving as the school's Dean of Discipline for two years.

In 2012, Mr. Martin relocated to Ventura County to become the Assistant Principal at Oak Park High School. In that role, he oversaw curriculum and instruction, helped develop multiple Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, and contributed to increasing the school's A–G completion rate to nearly 90%, all while Oak Park maintained its reputation as one of the highest-performing schools in the county.

In 2018, Mr. Martin became the Principal of Rancho Campana High School, where he spent the next eight years leading the school through a period of significant academic growth and achievement. Under his leadership, Rancho Campana earned recognition as one of the top-performing high schools in Ventura County and received two California Distinguished School awards. Throughout his tenure, he remained committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence for students and staff alike.

Mr. Martin earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Chemistry from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from California State University, Northridge. He also completed the School Business Management Certificate Program at the University of Southern California and earned the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) Chief Business Official certification. Additionally, he completed the ACSA Human Resources Academy, further strengthening his expertise in personnel leadership, labor relations, and employment law.

Mr. Martin is honored to serve as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for the Oxnard Union High School District. He looks forward to partnering with employees across the district to recruit, develop, and support an exceptional workforce dedicated to providing outstanding educational opportunities for every student.

Congratulations Mr. Martin, we are so proud of you! Looking forward to an amazing 26-27 school year!

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Únanse a nosotros para felicitar al Sr. Bryan Martin, quien fue nombrado por la Mesa Directiva del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Preparatorias de Oxnard (Oxnard Union High School District Board of Trustees) el lunes por la noche como el próximo Superintendente Auxiliar de Recursos Humanos.

Bryan Martin comenzó su carrera en la educación en 1999 con el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Los Ángeles, en la Preparatoria Los Angeles High School, donde enseñó Biología y Química durante seis años. Posteriormente se incorporó a la Preparatoria Taft High School, donde enseñó Química durante cinco años más, antes de desempeñarse como Decano de Disciplina de la escuela durante dos años.

En 2012, el Sr. Martin se trasladó al Condado de Ventura para asumir el cargo de Subdirector en la Preparatoria Oak Park High School. En ese puesto, supervisó el currículo y la instrucción, ayudó a desarrollar múltiples trayectorias de Educación Técnica Profesional (CTE, por sus siglas en inglés) y contribuyó a aumentar la tasa de finalización de los requisitos A–G de la escuela a casi el 90%, todo mientras Oak Park mantenía su reputación como una de las escuelas de mejor desempeño del condado.

En 2018, el Sr. Martin se convirtió en Director de la Preparatoria Rancho Campana High School, donde pasó los siguientes ocho años dirigiendo la escuela a través de un período de crecimiento y logros académicos significativos. Bajo su liderazgo, Rancho Campana obtuvo reconocimiento como una de las preparatorias de mejor desempeño en el Condado de Ventura y recibió dos premios California Distinguished School. A lo largo de su gestión, se mantuvo comprometido con fomentar una cultura de innovación, colaboración y excelencia tanto para los estudiantes como para el personal.

El Sr. Martin obtuvo una Licenciatura en Ciencias en Biología de la Universidad de California, Santa Bárbara, una Credencial de Enseñanza de Materia Única en Química de la Universidad Estatal de California, Los Ángeles, y una Maestría en Artes en Liderazgo Educativo de la Universidad Estatal de California, Northridge. También completó el Programa de Certificado en Administración de Negocios Escolares de la Universidad del Sur de California y obtuvo la certificación de Oficial Principal de Negocios (CBO) de la Asociación de Oficiales de Negocios Escolares de California (CASBO). Además, completó la Academia de Recursos Humanos de ACSA, fortaleciendo aún más su experiencia en liderazgo de personal, relaciones laborales y derecho laboral.

El Sr. Martin se siente honrado de servir como Superintendente Auxiliar de Recursos Humanos del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Preparatorias de Oxnard. Espera con entusiasmo colaborar con los empleados de todo el distrito para reclutar, desarrollar y apoyar a un personal excepcional, dedicado a brindar oportunidades educativas sobresalientes para cada estudiante.

¡Felicidades, Sr. Martin, estamos muy orgullosos de usted! ¡Esperamos con entusiasmo un año escolar 26-27 extraordinario!

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Brenda Bravo who was appointed by the Oxnard Union High School District Board of Trustees on Monday evening as the next Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services.

Ms. Bravo's (soon to be Dr. Bravo) career in public education began in 2011 in the Ocean View District, where she served as a bilingual elementary school teacher and later as an instructional leader. In 2018, she was appointed Principal of Rio Plaza Elementary School in Rio School District. She joined Oxnard Union High School District in 2022 as Principal of her Alma Mater, Hueneme High School, where she worked alongside students, staff, and families to strengthen academic achievement, cultivate positive school culture, and expand the systems of support for English Learners, newcomer students, and historically underserved populations. Her leadership is grounded in collaboration, high expectations, and the belief that every student deserves access to exceptional educational opportunities.

A proud graduate of Oxnard Union High School District, Ms. Bravo’s appointment as Assistant Superintendent Educational Services represents a meaningful full-circle moment in her educational journey. As a former English Learner, daughter of immigrant farmworking parents, and a first-generation college graduate, she understands firsthand the opportunities that public education can create. Those experiences continue to shape her leadership and reinforce her commitment to ensuring that every student is known, supported, and prepared for success.

Ms. Bravo earned bachelor's degrees in Liberal Studies and Spanish from California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), where she also completed a master's degree in Education Leadership and earned her Administrative Services Credential. She is currently a doctoral candidate in the Educational Leadership for Equity and Justice (DELEJ) program at California State University Channel Islands. Her research focuses on newcomer students, educational equity, school belonging, and the systems of support that help students thrive academically and personally.

Ms. Bravo believes that the strongest school systems are built through trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to students. She values listening first, building leadership capacity, and creating meaningful partnerships with educators, families, and the community. These beliefs continue to guide her work as she serves the students and schools of Oxnard Union High School District.

Outside her professional responsibilities, Ms. Bravo enjoys spending time with her family, especially her three daughters, supporting their many activities, traveling, staying active, and giving back to the community that helped shape her own educational journey.

Congratulations Ms. Bravo! We are so proud of you and look forward to a wonderful 26-27 school year!

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Únanse a nosotros para felicitar a la Sra. Brenda Bravo, quien fue nombrada por la Mesa Directiva del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Preparatorias de Oxnard (Oxnard Union High School District Board of Trustees) el lunes por la noche como la próxima Superintendente Auxiliar de Servicios Educativos.

La carrera de la Sra. Bravo (pronto Dra. Bravo) en la educación pública comenzó en 2011 en el Distrito Ocean View, donde se desempeñó como maestra bilingüe de escuela primaria y, posteriormente, como líder de instrucción. En 2018, fue nombrada Directora de la Escuela Primaria Rio Plaza en el Distrito Escolar Rio. Se incorporó al Distrito Escolar Unificado de Preparatorias de Oxnard en 2022 como Directora de su alma máter, la Preparatoria Hueneme High School, donde trabajó junto a estudiantes, personal y familias para fortalecer el rendimiento académico, cultivar una cultura escolar positiva y expandir los sistemas de apoyo para los Estudiantes de Inglés, estudiantes recién llegados y poblaciones históricamente desatendidas. Su liderazgo se basa en la colaboración, las altas expectativas y la creencia de que todo estudiante merece acceso a oportunidades educativas excepcionales.

Orgullosa egresada del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Preparatorias de Oxnard, el nombramiento de la Sra. Bravo como Superintendente Auxiliar de Servicios Educativos representa un momento significativo que cierra el círculo en su trayectoria educativa. Como ex Estudiante de Inglés, hija de padres inmigrantes trabajadores del campo y graduada universitaria de primera generación, ella comprende de primera mano las oportunidades que la educación pública puede crear. Esas experiencias continúan moldeando su liderazgo y reforzando su compromiso de asegurar que cada estudiante sea conocido, apoyado y preparado para el éxito.

La Sra. Bravo obtuvo licenciaturas en Estudios Liberales y Español de la Universidad Estatal de California Channel Islands (CSUCI), donde también completó una maestría en Liderazgo Educativo y obtuvo su Credencial de Servicios Administrativos. Actualmente es candidata a doctorado en el programa de Liderazgo Educativo para la Equidad y la Justicia (DELEJ, por sus siglas en inglés) en la Universidad Estatal de California Channel Islands. Su investigación se centra en los estudiantes recién llegados, la equidad educativa, el sentido de pertenencia escolar y los sistemas de apoyo que ayudan a los estudiantes a prosperar académica y personalmente.

La Sra. Bravo cree que los sistemas escolares más sólidos se construyen a través de la confianza, la colaboración y un compromiso compartido con los estudiantes. Ella valora escuchar primero, desarrollar la capacidad de liderazgo y crear alianzas significativas con educadores, familias y la comunidad. Estas creencias continúan guiando su trabajo mientras sirve a los estudiantes y escuelas del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Preparatorias de Oxnard.

Fuera de sus responsabilidades profesionales, a la Sra. Bravo le gusta pasar tiempo con su familia, especialmente con sus tres hijas, apoyando sus numerosas actividades, viajando, manteniéndose activa y retribuyendo a la comunidad que ayudó a formar su propia trayectoria educativa.

¡Felicidades, Sra. Bravo! Estamos muy orgullosos de usted y esperamos con entusiasmo un maravilloso año escolar 26-27.

Attention Parents/Guardians, Students and Families

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we are asking parents and students to download the newly updated ParebtVue/StudentVUE app on their devices.

This is also a good time to download the ParentSquare app as well as this is how we communicate important information with families.

Please note that login credentials have not changed. Students and families should continue using their existing username and password to access their accounts.

A flyer with additional information was sent to families in the Summer Mailer. We have also attached that flyer here for your reference. Please help reinforce this message by encouraging students to download the updated app.

If you have questions, or need help accessing either app, please reach out to your school office or submit a helpdesk ticket and someone will reacch out to assist you. You can submit a ticket at www.oxnardunion.org/ticket

Thank you for your continued support and for helping share this information with our students and families!

Many of you already know Dr. Virginia Kelsen and now we are proud to announce that she will be leading our district as Superintendent of Oxnard Union High School District beginning July 1, 2026!

After two years serving OUHSD as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, the Board of Trustees has approved her appointment, and we couldn’t be more excited about this next chapter.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Kelsen!

Some people choose education because it is more than a job, it is a calling. These four answered that call every single day this year.

Congratulations to our Oxnard Union High School District 2026 Employees of the Year:

Certificated — Natalie Dempsey, Del Sol High School
Classified — Diana Veronica, Condor High School
Campus Supervisor — Bryon Huizinga, Rancho Campana High School
Paraeducator — Liz Galvan, Condor High School

Thank you for showing up, not just for our students, but for every family who trusts us with their children. You are what makes Oxnard Union great.

We're proud to amplify the voices of our students.

A sophomore at Hueneme High School is leading the charge on behalf of the Voices of Oxnard Youth — a student-led committee working to ensure young people have a say in the City of Oxnard's decisions.

Right now, they're gathering student input to present at the City Council's 5-Year Priorities Meeting on April 30. The survey is open to students only, and they need as many responses as possible before the deadline: Sunday, April 26.

This is exactly the kind of civic engagement we want to see from our students. Please help spread the word.

Students: take a few minutes to complete the survey using the link or QR code below.
Parents & staff: please share this with students so they can participate.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfH9aeKMgwEqnX55AIBvDAzCqEZIjeN213AAeKxpk7r1MNPgA/viewform?pli=1

As we have been reading this week, a number of very serious issues have come up in our community and others related to the labor leader Cesar Chavez.

We are in the process of identifying any images posted on buildings or facilities of the District and we will work with staff and students at each site to determine the best remediation plan.

While we navigate through these issues, the Oxnard Union High School remains committed to serving the students and families in our Farmworker community and ensuring their educational opportunities through the programs and services offered by the District.

Additionally, in our March 11th Board Meeting the Board of Trustees of the Oxnard Union High School District approved Resolution 26-12 Proclaiming the Month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month

This resolution was presented by our two student Trustees and delivered very powerfully.

From Board President Sher:

Every child deserves a powerful future. When abuse occurs, it can impact that future for decades and generations.

Dolores Huerta, Ana Murguia, and Debra Rojas, along with other survivors are incredibly brave for coming forward. When those in positions of power misuse their influence, often targeting the most vulnerable for abuse, they break the very sense of trust and safety that young people deserve.

For those who are wondering what this means for celebrating our Farmworker community. Our focus will remain on the strength, resilience, and contributions of our Farmworker community, not on any one individual.

To our students: you deserve a strong and hopeful future. Please know that there are people on your campus who care deeply about your well being and are ready to support you. Reach out to your school’s Wellness Center or a trusted adult. No one should have to navigate this alone.

Yours respectfully,

Tom

Tom McCoy, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Oxnard Union High School District

Congratulations to the Pacifica High School football team, coaches and cheer on their recognition at city council! Thank you to the faculty and staff and especially to the parents for their support throughout their season.