Placentia, Calif. (March 11, 2026) – The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Candace Perez as the new Deputy Superintendent of Academic Leadership Team. Dr. Perez’s appointment comes following a formal approval by the Board of Education on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
In this role, which consolidates the former positions of Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, the Deputy Superintendent of Academic Leadership will oversee and align key academic and student support initiatives across the District. Dr. Perez will perform a wide variety of key functions relative to student achievement, curriculum and instruction, special education, professional development, assessment, leadership development, and much more.
“On behalf of the Board of Education, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Perez to the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District,” shared Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza. “Dr. Perez brings a wealth of leadership experience in curriculum and instruction, fiscal and operational management, principal coaching, and strategic planning and policy development. Her expertise and commitment to supporting student achievement will be a tremendous asset to our district.”
Dr. Perez began her career in education in 2002 with the San Bernardino Unified School District as a teacher and, more recently, served as Deputy Director in the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators. Throughout her 24-year career, she has held numerous impactful roles across Southern California and Oregon, including teacher, middle school administrator, director of elementary education and special programs, assistant superintendent, and superintendent.
Dr. Perez earned her doctorate in educational leadership from George Fox University, where she was recognized with the Aldred Award for Outstanding Dissertation. She also holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from National University in San Diego, California. In addition, she earned a Gifted and Talented Education Certificate from the University of California, Riverside, and completed Special Education Endorsement coursework at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon.
In addition to her administrative leadership, she has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Oregon, where she teaches School & District Finance and K-12 Educational Policy.
Outside of work, Dr. Perez enjoys spending time with her children and husband, Rafael. Dr. Perez looks forward to returning to Southern California, where she began her career, and to continuing her commitment to serving and supporting all students, regardless of ability, language, or background. She will begin this new role on April 1, 2026.