Jaren Fried said he is "deeply honored to serve as the next superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District" as he opened the new year with a staff address, outlining priorities and his collaborative approach to leadership.

Fried, who said he grew up in the district and later served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent, framed his appointment as a "full circle" moment. He told staff his core belief is that "our people are the heart of this district" and said he intends to build on existing work rather than directing change from the top down.

Fried listed the district's priorities as centering student voice and civic engagement, advancing whole-child development, and expanding real-world readiness through career pathways, performance task assessments and a capstone program. "We will do this while ensuring every student has access to opportunity, every family feels welcomed and heard, and every staff are trusted professionals empowered to lead, innovate, and drive meaningful change," he said.

He acknowledged the constraints facing public education, citing "enrollment shifts, budget uncertainty, [and] a national climate that all too often questions our work," and said Anaheim Union is positioned to meet those challenges "with courage, clarity, and unity." Fried described his leadership style as collaborative: "It will be done hand in hand with our teachers, classified staff, counselors, site leaders, union partners, family and community partners, and most importantly, our students." He closed by quoting leadership author Simon Sinek: "Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge."

The address was a welcome-to-staff speech rather than a formal board action; Fried concluded by expressing gratitude "on behalf of our board of trustees" and wishing the district a safe and healthy new year.