ORANGE, CA – March 3, 2017 – Each year, the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) statewide organization recognizes outstanding performance and achievement by individual administrators. This year Orange Unified School District is proud to announce four administrators have been recognized as administrators of the year for Orange County (Region 17): Michael L. Christensen; Suena Chang, Ed.D.; Elsie Briseño Simonovski, Ph.D.; and Jennifer Bourgeois, Ph.D.
Mr. Christensen is being recognized as 2017 ACSA Region 17 Superintendent of the Year. He often refers to OUSD as a “District of Excellence.” This excellence begins with him and his leadership for the District. Mr. Christensen’s unrelenting support to staff results in employees dedicated to serve in multiple capacities to ensure the successful operations of award winning schools. Mr. Christensen’s commitment to ensure the best learning environment for all students was highlighted this year by his efforts to help get school facilities bond passed for the District high schools. Mr. Christensen is also an active member of the community with such organizations as Orange Rotary.
Dr. Chang is being recognized as 2017 ACSA Region 17 Co-Administrator of the Year. She currently serves as an Assistant Principal overseeing Curriculum and Instruction at Canyon High School joining OUSD in 2014. Dr. Chang’s colleagues often refer to her as a hardworking professional who models integrity. She has been an asset to her school to help provide the optimum learning opportunities for both students and teachers alike. Additionally, Dr. Chang is an active member of ACSA and serves as the Co-Administrator Chairman representative for Region 17.
Dr. Briseño Simonovski is being recognized as 2017 ACSA Region 17 Continuation/Educational Options Administrator of the Year. She currently serves as the Principal of Richland High School. Dr. Briseño Simonovski has established herself as an effective instructional leader since her arrival to OUSD in 2010. In her most recent role as principal, she has fostered an environment of high expectations for all students and staff. Her leadership has led to the creation of a Paxton Patterson STEM lab at her school, a first for a California continuation high school. Most recently, under Dr. Briseño Simonovski’s leadership, Richland High School was recognized by the State of California as a Model Continuation High School. Additionally, Dr. Briseño Simonovski is an active member of ACSA and serves as the Education Options Council representative for Region 17.
Dr. Bourgeois is being recognized as 2017 ACSA Region 17 Technology Administrator of the Year. She currently serves as the Coordinator of Student Assessment and Educational Measurement. Dr. Bourgeois has established herself as an innovative leader who consistently keeps a student-centered focus in all decisions she makes. Dr. Bourgeois has had an integral role in gathering and analyzing data to support student learning. Among the many areas of support, she was instrumental in the organization and implementation of the SAT School Day for all of our high schools across the District. Additionally, Dr. Bourgeois is an active member of ACSA and serves on the Women in Leadership Committee for Region 17.
Orange Unified congratulates these four outstanding administrators who will be recognized at ACSA’s 27th annual Celebration of Excellence, held at the Irvine Marriott on May 8, 2017.
ACSA was established in 1971 and is the largest umbrella organization for school leaders in the nation. More information about ACSA’s programs and awards is available online at www.acsa.org.