Jaren Fried, the incoming superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District, addressed AUHSD staff and families with a message of gratitude and a pledge to lead collaboratively. "For those who don't know me, my name is Jaren Fried, and I am deeply honored to serve as the next superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District," he said, framing his appointment as a "full circle moment" because he attended district schools and later served in multiple district roles.

Fried told listeners he will build on the district's existing work and named specific priorities: centering student voice and civic engagement; promoting whole-child development; and strengthening "real world readiness" through career pathways, performance task assessments and the capstone program. He also pledged to ensure "every student has access to opportunity," to make families feel welcomed, and to empower staff as "trusted professionals empowered to lead, innovate and drive meaningful change."

Acknowledging challenges facing public education, Fried cited enrollment shifts and budget uncertainty and said that, despite a national climate that questions public education, the district is "uniquely positioned to meet this moment" with "courage, clarity, and unity." He described his leadership approach as collaborative rather than "top down," saying he will work "hand in hand with our teachers, classified staff, counselors, site leaders, union partners, family and community partners, and most importantly, our students." He invoked Simon Sinek's idea that "leadership is not about being in charge, it's about taking care of those in your charge" as the guiding principle for his tenure.

Fried closed by calling the district "more than a school district"—"a movement and a family"—and expressing gratitude for the trust placed in AUHSD schools. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, he wished staff and families a "happy, safe and healthy new year." The address focused on priorities and tone-setting; no formal board action or vote was announced.