Azusa Unified board approves Dr. Lopez as next superintendent

The Azusa Unified School District Board of Education on June 16 approved an employment agreement for Dr. Lopez to serve as the district’s superintendent beginning July 1, 2026. The three-year contract runs through June 30, 2029, and provides an annual salary of $285,000, district-paid health and welfare benefits (the stated district cost: $20,835.70), a $50,000 term life insurance policy and paid leave provisions including 12 days of sick leave and 30 days of vacation per year.

The contract was presented under the Brown Act requirement for an oral summary of executive compensation before final action. After a motion and second, the board approved the agreement with a majority; Board member Ariana said she abstained, explaining to the board that abstention was appropriate for her because it was her first time meeting the candidate in person. Dr. Lopez spoke at the meeting and said he was “honored and humbled to be standing here before you as the next superintendent of Azusa Unified School District,” and pledged to “listen, learn, and lead alongside” staff, families and community members.

Why it matters: a superintendent sets districtwide priorities for academics, budget decisions and community relations; the change comes as the district prepares its 2026–27 Local Control and Accountability Plan and proposed budget. Board members who spoke at the meeting praised the district’s leadership team and welcomed Dr. Lopez.

Votes at a glance - Approval of superintendent employment agreement (term July 1, 2026–June 30, 2029; salary $285,000): approved by the board; one member abstained (Board member Ariana). - Resolution 252630 (authorize staff to request renewal of waiver for Mountain View Elementary surplus-property process): approved unanimously (5–0). - Filing notice of completion for Valleyale Elementary roof replacement: approved unanimously (5–0). - Assistant superintendent contract amendments (business services and human resources): each extension approved unanimously (5–0). - District sunshine proposal to the educators’ association (item 15.7): approved unanimously (5–0).

What the contract includes and next steps: the contract packages salary and benefits consistent with local executive terms described publicly at the meeting; Dr. Lopez reiterated an intended July 1 start date and said he plans to meet staff and community members during transition activities. The board will return next week for a June 23 meeting where the LCAP and budget are slated for formal adoption.