Jaren Fried, the incoming superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District, welcomed staff back from winter break on behalf of the district and outlined his priorities for the coming year. He said he is "deeply honored to serve as the next superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District."

Fried framed his appointment as a "full circle" moment, saying he grew up in the district and later returned as a teacher and administrator. He summarized his district experience as including roles as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent of human resources and assistant superintendent of educational services. "Every chapter has shaped who I am and reinforced one core belief, that our people are the heart of this district," he said.

Fried listed priorities he wants the district to build on, including centering student voice, civic engagement, whole-child development, and real-world readiness through career pathways, performance task assessments and a capstone program. He pledged to "ensure 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."

Acknowledging challenges facing public education nationwide, Fried named enrollment shifts and budget uncertainty as headwinds, and said the district is "uniquely positioned to meet this moment, not with fear, but with courage, clarity, and unity." He emphasized that leadership will not be top-down: "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 said, promising to listen, plan and lead transparently.

Fried closed by expressing gratitude and invoking a leadership principle: "Simon Sinek once said leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge." He said he will "serve not with ego, but with empathy, not with control, but with connection," and on behalf of the board of trustees wished staff a "happy, safe, and healthy new year." The remarks were a welcome address rather than a policy announcement; no formal motions or votes were taken.