Superintendent of Schools Michael L. Christensen Announces Retirement

Orange, CA – May 1, 2017 –  On Friday, April 28, Orange Unified School District Superintendent Michael Christensen announced his retirement, effective August 1, 2017.  Christensen has served as Superintendent in Orange Unified for the past six years.  Prior to his current position, Christensen was the Deputy Superintendent, Chief Business Official, and held numerous other positions in the Business/Facilities Division.  Other than a brief time of employment in the Riverside Unified School District, the majority of his 20+ years in education have been with OUSD.

Board President Rick Ledesma stated, “Mr. Christensen has been a commendable Superintendent and we will miss his leadership.  He has transformed the culture of Orange Unified School District to one with a fiscally strategic focus on student achievement.  Early in his tenure, he was vital in navigating OUSD through difficult financial waters due to the mortgage meltdown.  Mr. Christensen’s significant support and contributions ensured that the District would make history in passing the Measure S bond which will benefit students for generations to come.  Under his leadership, we remain a fiscally solvent District that is committed to its mission of providing an exceptional educational service to the Orange Unified community.  My best wishes to Mr. Christensen as he moves on to the next phase of his life in retirement.”

Christensen received a number of awards throughout his career in education.  He was named by the Greater Orange Community Organization as the 2010 Greater Orange Person of the Year, Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region XVII 2011 School Business Official of the year and, most recently, the ACSA Region XVII 2017 Superintendent of the Year.

“The Orange Unified School District is a special place with a spirit of family and community that is unique.  I will miss the students, staff and community members who I have grown so close to over the years.  I especially want to acknowledge the work of the Board of Education to pass Measure S because I know that the improvements to our high schools will bring about deeper opportunities for 21st century teaching and learning.  While I while miss everyone, I am very excited to begin the next phase of my life,” said Christensen.

The Orange Unified School District Board of Trustees will meet soon to discuss the selection of the next superintendent.