The Board of Education is pleased to announce that it has identified Alfonso Jiménez, Ed.D., M.S., as its top candidate for the position of Culver City Unified School District superintendent. The CCUSD Board is in the process of finalizing contract details.
Dr. Jiménez currently serves as superintendent of schools for Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD) in the City of Industry, a district with 15,480 students and 27 schools. The district also operates the second-largest adult school in the state with three campuses and more than 12,000 adult learners. Under his leadership, the district was named a District of Distinction in 2025 for New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL). In addition, six out of seven HLP Middle Schools were named Schools to Watch in 2022-2025 from the California League of Middle Schools; and the U.S. Department of Education awarded four National Blue Ribbon Schools in 2023, the most in the state and nation that year.
Prior to his HLPUSD position, he was Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services in Santa Ana, the second-largest district in Orange County with more than 40,000 students and 56 schools. Dr. Jiménez began his career as a teacher in Long Beach, before ascending to an assistant principal at multiple elementary and middle schools in Bellflower, and principal at Woodcrest Elementary in Fullerton. He then took on several district academic administrative roles in Anaheim and Lynwood before joining the Santa Ana School District.
Dr. Jiménez has received multiple accolades in his career including a “Superintendent to Watch” Award in 2022 from the National School Public Relations Association; a “Superintendent of the Year” Award in 2022 from UC Davis C-STEM, and the “Superintendent of the Year, Region V,” award in 2023 from the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators.
“Dr. Alfonso Jiménez brings over 29 years of experience in public education and a breadth of knowledge that uniquely position him to lead Culver City Unified School District into its next chapter,” said CCUSD Board of Education President Triston Ezidore. “As a sitting superintendent, he has led with vision and a deep commitment to instructional excellence, equity, and innovation. His career has been grounded in improving student learning outcomes – whether by expanding career and technical education, strengthening curriculum and instruction, or advancing system wide initiatives that center access and opportunity for all students.
“What stood out to the Board was his proven ability to lead with purpose, collaborate with families, educators, and community members, and deliver results that make a difference – in classrooms, in our neighborhoods, and in the lives of young learners. As a bilingual leader fluent in Spanish, Dr. Jiménez brings an inclusive and community-focused approach that reflects the diversity of Culver City. We are thrilled to welcome him to our district and look forward to the future we’ll build together under his leadership.”
“I am truly honored and excited to join Culver City Unified School District as your new superintendent, pending Board approval,” said Dr. Jimenez. “I want to sincerely thank the Board of Education for its trust and confidence in selecting me as the sole finalist for this important role. As a former teacher and school site leader, the district’s mission to ensure that every student possesses the academic and personal skills needed to achieve their highest potential in future endeavors is deeply personal to me. I look forward to collaborating with our students, educators, staff, families, and community to ensure that every student thrives and has access to the opportunities they deserve. I am looking forward to building our future together.”
Married to an elementary school teacher, Dr. Jimenez and his wife have three children. Two are college graduates pursuing their career goals in healthcare and business marketing, and the youngest is in middle school. A native Angeleno, Dr. Jimenez’s parents immigrated from Mexico. His father was a migrant farm worker under the federal Bracero program. Dr. Jimenez grew up in Long Beach for most of his childhood, and now resides in the southeast San Gabriel Valley area. His hobbies include travel, reading, genealogy, music and movies. Dr. Jimenez holds a B.S. in Zoology-Physiology from California State University, Long Beach; an M.S. in Administration from Pepperdine, and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California.
At its next regular meeting, scheduled for June 24, 2025, the Board anticipates taking final action to approve the employment contract and formally appoint Dr. Jimenez as CCUSD’s next superintendent. Upon approval, the Board looks forward to introducing him to the community as the new educational leader of CCUSD. Dr. Jimenez’s anticipated start date is July 1, 2025.
Culver City Unified School District
Photo (L to R) Culver City School Board members Andrew Lachman, Stephanie Loredo, Triston Ezidore, Dr. Alfonso Jiménez, Lindsay Carlson, and Brian Guerrero.