The Anaheim Union High School District Board of Trustees voted 5-0 to appoint Dr. Jaren Fried as superintendent effective Dec. 30, 2025, subject to execution of a contract.

Trustees said the decision followed a shortened, internal search and a community input survey conducted alongside the job posting. Trustee Hoshi acknowledged concerns about the length of the application window and the decision not to open the search to outside candidates, saying those concerns “are valid” while adding, “I am satisfied with the outcome of the process.”

Board members described the survey — which a trustee said drew about 400 responses — as a tool to surface the qualities the community wants in a leader. Trustee Barrow said the survey yielded themes including a superintendent committed to student well-being, openness to different points of view, accountability, recruiting and retaining high-quality staff, and attention to declining enrollment and budget pressures. “These insights really helped us identify which candidates not only align with the desired leadership characteristics, but also that they demonstrate readiness to face these challenges,” Barrow said.

During public comment, parents and community members offered mixed views. Maritza Bermudez, a parent, said she supports internal promotions in general but asked, “Where does the community fall?” and questioned how many survey respondents were parents. A community member who identified himself as Rev. Thomas urged trustees to support Dr. Fried, saying Fried “listens to us” and describing his community service. Lucy Tallarita, secretary of the Western Alumni Association, urged the board not to let delay in announcing a choice become a sign of instability and said students, families and staff “deserve stability and direction.”

President O’Neil read the closed-session report noting the unanimous appointment. The board also reported no action on the superintendent performance evaluation in closed session. The appointment is subject to a formal contract being signed before the effective date.

Trustees and speakers framed the decision as the board exercising its responsibility to set the district’s direction; they emphasized that the chosen candidate should continue recent district initiatives and address challenges identified in the survey.