Meet Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza

Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza is the Superintendent of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD). She began her leadership role with the district on October 6, 2025.

 

Dr. Kym brings over three decades of experience in education, having served as a teacher, principal, director, and superintendent. Most recently, she was the Deputy Superintendent of Jeffco Public Schools, Colorado’s second-largest district, where she oversaw 74,000 students across more than 145 schools, 14,000 employees, and a $1.2 billion budget. She is credited with advancing districtwide strategic planning, school redesign initiatives, and equity-focused programs to improve outcomes for all students.

 

Before arriving in Jeffco, Dr. Kym served as Superintendent of Archuleta School District in Colorado, leading a district of approximately 2,000 students, and as Rocky Mountain States Director for AVID Center, where she supported district expansion and promoted college- and career-readiness programs across the region.

 

She also served as Superintendent of the Newberg School District in Oregon, where she improved graduation rates, cut dropout rates in half, expanded mental health services, and administered a $28 million bond to upgrade facilities and expand STEM and alternative education opportunities.

 

Along the way, Dr. Kym held leadership positions in Adams 12 Five Star Schools, Pueblo School District 60, and Boulder Valley School District. She has also contributed as adjunct faculty at the University of Denver, Western Colorado University, and George Fox University.

 

Dr. Kym earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Applied Studies from the University of Northern Colorado, her Master’s in Education Administration and Curriculum from the University of Texas–Permian Basin, and her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Secondary Science from New Mexico State University.